U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
William Wright Haden
William (Bill) Wright Haden, age 73, passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, August 17, 2007in the Hospice Center of the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center at Mt. Home, TN.
Bill was a native and former resident of Huntsville, Alabama and was a graduate of Huntsville High School. He had retired from the railroad in Dallas, Texas. Bill was a military veteran with the rank of sergeant in the United States Army. He served in the Calvary Division, during the Korean conflict and was a member of the American Legion and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #1994 of Abingdon. Bill was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Abingdon and was the recipient of the 2003 Grandparent of the Year Award from Sullins Academy..
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Wallace Haden and Loma McClain Haden, his grandfather, Dr. William W. Haden and a niece.
Survivors include his son, William A. (Bill) Haden of Gulfport, Mississippi; his daughter, Sharon Haden Cunningham of Bristol, TN; his grandsons, Justin Valentine Haden, Kyle Nelson Haden and Robert Heath Cunningham; his sister, Lydia Ann Haden White; one nephew and a great niece.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 7:30 P. M. Monday, August 20, 2007 at the Pilgrim Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Finley officiating.
Millitary rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veteran’s Honor Color Guard.
In place of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions to honor Bill’s memory be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Martha Violet Artrip
Martha Violet Artrip, age 93, died Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie, VA.
Born on April 7, 1914 in Dickenson County, Virginia, Martha was a daughter of the late Charlie Duty and Octavie Runyons Duty. She was also preceded in death by her husband Alden Artrip, her son Ralph Artrip, two grandchildren, as well as her brothers and sisters. Martha had lived most of her life in the Abingdon, Virginia area.
She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Puckett and husband Donald of Bristol, VA; Charlie Artrip and wife Ethel of Radford, VA and Billy Artrip and wife Phyllis of Bristol, VA, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:15 P. M. Monday, August 20, 2007 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The Funeral service will be conducted at 7:30 P. M. Monday following the visitation with Rev. Darrell Martin and Rev. Paul Brown officiating. A committal and burial service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, August 21, 2007 in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Those attending the committal and burial service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 A. M. Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery.
Nellie Louise Keene
Mrs. Nellie Louise “ Kupy” Keene, age 76, of Damascus, Virginia formerly of Jolo, West Virginia was called home to Heaven on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 after a long and courageous battle.
She was born in McDowell County, West Virginia to the late Charlie and Carrie Rose. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a mighty prayer warrior.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven sisters, four brothers, and one half -brother.
Survivors include her husband of fifty-seven years, Harvey Junior Keene; two daughters, Ernestine Smith and husband, Lennie of Damascus, Virginia and Christine Parson and husband, Rick of Bluff City, Tennessee; one son, Hobert Keene and, Wife Joyce of Mt. Holley, North Carolina; special sister-in-law, Wilma Deskins of Pounding Mill, Virginia; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted at 12 Noon on Thursday August 23, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Freddie Dobbs and Rev. Jimmy Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Virginia. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Wednesday August 22, 2007 from 6 – 9 P.M. in the funeral home.
Ruby Ellen Buckles
Ruby Ellen Buckles, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va.
Ruby was born on April 19, 1909 in Russell County, Virginia and was a daughter of the late George T. Dye and Julia Belle Sutherland Dye of Finny, VA. She was also preceded in death by her husband Coy Gaines Buckles on October 29, 1992; her step-mother, Sylvia Sutherland Dye of Tiny, VA; a sister, Mildred (Mid) Owens and husband Frenchmon Owens of Prater, VA; four brothers, Donald Dye and wife Kate of Iaeger, WV, Howard Dye of the U. S. Navy, Douglas Dye of WV and Carl Dye of Honaker, VA; sisters-in-law, Beulah Hardin and husband Ira of Grundy, VA and Janie Dye and husband Henry of Lebanon, VA; brothers-in-law, Clinton Owens of Vansant, VA, John Harry, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ and David Morrissette of Bluefield, VA;
Ruby was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Endicott Lester of Abingdon; her son Jack Buckles and wife Christine of Bristol, VA; her grandson Terry Endicott and wife Barbara of Grover, NC, her granddaughters, Debbie Leonard and husband Eddie of Vansant, VA; Jackie Lockhart and husband Steve of Rosedale, VA and Selena Buckles and special friend Jackie Poston of Bristol, VA; her great granddaughters Stevie Leonard of Vansant, VA and Summer Delp and husband Brad of Richmond, VA; her sister Maxine Owens and her daughters Leigh and Leona all of Vansant, VA; three half sisters, Imogene Colby and husband Bob of Charlottesville, VA, Patsy Connor and husband Charlie of Waynesboro, VA, Eliza Byers and husband Leonard of Haysi, VA her brother-in-law, Jeff Lewis Dye and wife Mildred of Lebanon, VA; four sisters-in-law, Rochette Belle Buckles of Lebanon, VA, Lena Morrissette of Bluefield, WV, Birdie Harry of Atlanta, GA and Mildred Dye Honaker of Honaker, VA; many nieces and nephews; her special friends, Belvia Riddle, Diann belle, Ruth Singleton and Debbie McElyea and many other friends.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A Song Service will take place at 8:00 P. M. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Friday, August 24, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Corey Dye and Rev. Jason Nunley officiating. Burial follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Terry Endicott, Steve Lockhart, Eddie Leonard, Jackie Poston, Jeff Lewis Dye, Garnet Dye, David Hardin, Clinton Elswick and Tom Truitt. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grat Dye, Gary Dye, Jerry Hardin, Jarrick Belle, George Belle, Eddie Harrison, Dean Dye, Benny Roberts and Dr. Martin Monahan.
In place of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Marion Edamson Spiva
Mr. Marion Edamson Spiva, also known as “Boss”, lived his life for the Lord, but now the angels have come to take him home. He passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol. He has been a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.
He was born in Abingdon, VA, and lived in Washington County for 67 years. He was employed at Washington County Solid Waste Department, and he had previously worked at Tri-State Livestock Market for many years.
Mr. Spiva was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nancy Spiva, and by his sister, Marie Malone.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda Spiva. He has raised five great kids: Linda Trent and husband Andy; Rocky Spiva and wife Angie; Carl (Hollywood) Spiva and wife Teresa; Larry Spiva and wife Crystal; and Marion (Bones) Spiva and wife Ruthie. He is also survived by one brother, Don Spiva, and one sister, Betty Jackson. He is the grandfather of thirteen grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a great granddaughter due in February. He also has numerous nieces and nephews.
We will miss him very much and hope to meet him one day on the other side.
We would like to give special thanks to the staff at Wellmont Hospice House for their care and compassion. We also offer special thanks to Alice Malone, Crystal Spiva, and JoAnne Christian.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Forest Hills chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Larry Spiva, Otis Arnold, Frank Blair, Bill Doss, Jeff Spiva and Chris Spiva.
Alice Coleman
MRS. ALICE COLEMAN, 87, died Thursday August 23, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a native a Prater, Virginia in Buchanan County and had lived in Abingdon since 1979. She was the daughter of the late John Wesley and Mandy Jane Keene Clevinger. She was a member of Bull Creek Old Regular Baptist Church in Harmon, Virginia. She worked as an Avon sales representative for 43 years. She was very active in her children’s education working with the PTA and served as PTA President. She worked as a substitute teacher and enjoyed canning and cooking. She loved people and was a very inspirational person to family and friends. She was the widow of Bernice Coleman and also preceded in death by an infant son, Billy; 1 sister, Stella Dales; 4 brothers, Frank, Fred, Larkin, and Jimmy Clevinger; 1 granddaughter, Teresa Coleman; and 1 daughter-in-law, Janice Coleman.
She is survived by 3 sons, Gary Coleman and fiancé Christa Vesta of Clintwood, James Coleman and wife Anna Ruth of Vansant, and Thomas Coleman and wife Patsy of Grundy; 4 daughters, Christine Buckles and husband Jack of Bristol, Virginia, Lora Anne Viers of Atlanta, Rebecca Jane Mullins of Abingdon, and Mellie Stiltner and husband Larry of Pounding Mill; 1 brother, Gilbert Clevinger of Haysi; 4 sisters, Lou Owens of Poplar Creek, Virginia, Rachel Cochran of DeFiance, Ohio, Polly Bateman of Shuglac, Mississippi, and Jean St. Claire of Harmon, Virginia; 15 grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Granddaughter, Elle, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Elder Howard Daniels, Elder Jackie Yates, and Elder Larry Puckett officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home with a song service to follow at 7:00 pm. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Mrs. Coleman’s cousin and friend Helen White for all of the special care given to their mother.
Robert E. Pierce
Mr. Robert E. Pierce, age 85 passed away Friday, August 24, 2007 in the Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol, TN.
Bob was a member of the Meadowview United Methodist Church and was an Engineer with Westinghouse retiring after 35 years of service.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Pierce, Abingdon, VA, two daughters, Sharon Bethke and husband William, Corrales, New Mexico, Melinda Bessell and husband Jeffrey, Abingdon, VA, two brothers, Bernard Pierce and Roy Pierce, both of Ontario, Canada, two sisters, Helen Shackleton and Winnie Cummings both of Ontario, Canada, 5 grandchildren, Tim Bessell, Lisa Helper, Dan Bethke, Maureen Cheavez, Michael Bethke and 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service ( located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens ) with Rev. Katye Fox officiating. Dr. Clay Brinson will give the eulogy. A reception will follow the service at the same location.
Entombment will preceed the service in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620.
Landon Merrill Woody
Landon Merrill Woody, age 89, passed away Friday, August 24, 2007, in Valley Health Care of Chilhowie, Virginia.
He was born May 5, 1918, in Russell County, Virginia to the late Clayton C. and Ada Ray Woody. He was preceded in death by a brother, Curtis Woody.
Landon had lived in Abingdon since 1954 and was employed by Service Appliance Company in Bristol, Virginia. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church.
In 1981, he opened Woody’s Goody’s, specializing in art supplies and collectibles. He was a watercolor artist and was instrumental in organizing the Wednesday Morning Painters, a group of artist meeting weekly at the Arts Depot in Abingdon. Landon was a mentor to many, and loved by all.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mildred A. Woody; two daughters, Susan W. Buckner, and Judy W. Jackson and husband Carson; and two grandsons, Landon and Wesley Jackson, all of Abingdon, a sister June W. Howell and husband Lace, of Johnson City, Tennessee, and nieces Linda Thorpe and husband George, and Donna Mosko and husband Jim.
The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Home on Sunday, August 26, 2007, from 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA or to the Arts Depot, 314 Depot Sq. Abingdon, VA.
Funeral services for Landon Woody will be conducted on Monday, August 27, 2007 at 11 am, at the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter Weikel and Rev. Nicole Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers Jeoff Bodenhorst, Jim Duehring, James Fleenor, Blair Frier, Stephen Lowe, James Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be, Walter Hite, John Dellis, Joe Booth, Jr., Clyde King, William Ferguson, Robert E. Johnson, Jim Countiss, and Dr. Carey McKain.
The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Health Care for their loving and compassionate care during this time, as well as special thanks to Dr. Carey McKain.
Vonda Lou Ellen Rutter
Vonda Lou Ellen Rutter, age 53 passed away Saturday, August 25, 2007 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Vonda was a lifelong resident of Washington County and attended the Cedar Bluff Methodist Church. She was an employ of Bristol Compressors for 17 years, was a realtor, worked for the U. S. Census Bureau. She was previously employed with Columbus-McKinnon.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, David Morrison and J. C. Morrison, her parents, Luther and Chaucy Osborne Morrison.
Survivors include her husband, Louis B. Rutter, Damascus, VA, a son, Samuel L. Rutter, Abingdon, VA, two daughters, Tamera Rutter, Damascus, VA and Angela Jarvis, Abingdon, VA, a special niece, Melody Davis, Meadowview, VA and a special nephew, David Morrison, Abingdon, VA, two brothers, Dewey Morrison, Abingdon, VA, Billy Morrison, Damascus, VA, six sisters, Irene Tuggle, Abingdon, VA, Birdie Carr and Gladys Morrison both of Winston-Salem, NC, Barbara Johnson and Patty Megginson both of Abingdon, VA and Mary Morrison, Damascus, VA, grandchildren, Brittany Calloway, Alexis Calloway and Ian Rutter, great-grandson, Keegan Bently Calloway, many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor Elaine Murphy and Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Tony Luttrell, Robert Davis, Justin Lee, Rob Mutter, Larry Johnson, David Osborne, John Megginson and Jay Gouge.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Virgie Edith DeBusk Denney
Mrs. Virgie Edith DeBusk Denney, 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 27, 2007. She was a lifelong member of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Widener’s Valley and a devoted Christian. In 1990, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Denney. She was also preceded by her daughter Ruby Jane Widener. She was a noted great gardener, wonderful cook, and a loving woman. As a retired store manager and saleslady, she was noted for her lovely crochet and Afghans. She will be missed dearly, especially her bear hugs and big smile; but, all who knew her, know that she is walking with the Lord and all who have gone on home before her.
She is survived by a daughter, Lucille Denney Widener and husband J.R. Widener of Abingdon; two grandsons, Timothy Widener and wife Patricia of Damascus, and Terry Widener and wife Connie of Kingsport; one granddaughter, Tilda Widener of Abingdon; one great grandson, Aaron Widener of Damascus; three great granddaughters, Rebecca Widener of Galax, Amy Widener Smith and husband Jeff of Abingdon, and Carrie Widener of Abingdon; son-in-law, Ben Widener of Widener’s Valley
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Roger Boyer officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Pallbearers will be Tim Widener, Aaron Widener, Glenn DeBusk, Bernie Young, Terry Widener, Jeff Smith, and Rebecca Widener. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the committal service, the family will receive friends and host a reception in memory of Ms. Virgie’s life at the home of her grandson Tim. The family would like to extend our appreciation to Southwest Virginia Hospice and Amedisys of Lebanon, Virginia for the excellent care and love they gave to our mother and grandmother. We would like to also thank a very special friend and caregiver Goldie Montgomery. God Bless You!
Carl Harshbarger, Jr.
Mr. Carl Harshbarger, Jr. passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at the Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes, Fl.
Carl was of the Methodist Faith and was preceded in death by his father, Carl Harshbarger, Sr. and his step-father, Clifford Burge.
He is survived by his mother, Gladys Bott Burge and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A committal and entombment service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, September 1, 2007 in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Rev. Howard Leonard will be the officiating clergy.
Murphy Richard Baumgardner
Mr. Murphy Richard Baumgardner age 80, of the Whitaker Hollow Community passed away Thursday August 30, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
He was a Deacon and faithful lifetime member of Robert’s Chapel Baptist Church. He had been a saw operator in wood working at Bristol Doors, had been employed with Castle Mobile Homes and retired from Cortrim. He was a farmer all of his life.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Harris Baumgardner and father A. C. “Lum” Baumgardner, his brother, Burg, Warren and Leslie Baumgardner, his sisters, Grace Price, Pauline Wright, Gay Montgomery and Bess Sweet.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Frances Cox Baumgardner, two daughters, Nancy B. Widener and husband Harry Widener, Abingdon, VA, Kathy B. Cope and husband Carroll Cope, Sevierville, TN, one son, Gary Baumgardner of the home, one granddaughter, Regina Mason and husband Michael Mason, one great-granddaughter, Kinsey Alexis Mason, one brother Slemp Baumgardner, Abingdon, VA, two sisters, Marie White, Bristol, TN, Evelyn Jones, Abingdon, VA, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Robert’s Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor Curtis King and Pastor Larry Bales officiating. The committal graveside service will be conducted Sunday, September 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Greenwood cemetery. Those attending are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:55 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Tim Eastridge, Jimmy Fritz, Jerry Fritz, Cecil Thomas, Paul Norris, Lacy Hess. Honorary pallbearers will be the Men of Robert’s Chapel Baptist Church.
A special thanks to Home Nursing Service of Southwest Virginia, Dr. Andrew Rhinehart and Jennifer Taylor.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Robert’s Chapel Baptist Church.
