U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Dr. Samuel E. Chappell
Dr. Samuel E. Chappell, age 76, a native of Abingdon, Virginia, died June 28, 2007 of cancer related pneumonia at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Chappell resided in Washington D.C., for 45 years. He was born in Abingdon on April 18, 1931, to the late Paul E. Chappell and Mary Lou Chappell and attended school in Abingdon and Bristol, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his brother Paul B. Chappell and sister, Sarah Brown.
Dr. Chappell began his work life as a shoeshine boy at his father’s barbershop in Abingdon. He later became a short-order cook at the Cave Restaurant associated with the Barter Theater. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in physics from Virginia State University, followed by a fellowship at the University of Rochester, Dr. Chappell entered the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and served as a health physicist at Fort Detrik, Maryland. After discharge, he pursued master’s and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear physics at Penn State University.
Dr. Chappell joined the National Bureau of Standards as a member of the Radiation Division in 1962. He was involved in research and development for 10 years, including work in radiation measurement related to materials processing, device testing, and food preservation. He later focused on national and international standards development and served for many years as the United States representative to an international treaty organization, the International Organization of Legal Metrology. He was active in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the American Nationals Standards Institute (ANSI), and many other professional organizations.
After retiring from Federal service in 2000, he became a consultant in the field of legal measuring instruments and provided services as an expert witness in this area in court cases for the city of Seattle and the state of New Jersey. He also maintained a position as a member of the ANSI Appeals Board.
Dr. Chappell is survived by his wife of 29 years, Julianne, and his son, Benjamin, both of Washington, D.C., and his brother Robert Daniel Chappell of Abingdon and Chilhowie, Virginia. The family wishes to extend special appreciation to Mr. Lemuel Wheeler of Abingdon and Pastor Donald Swift and the congregation of Charles Wesley United Methodist Church of Abingdon for their kind assistance in bringing Dr. Chappell home to rest.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at High Point cemetery in Abingdon, Virginia with Pastor Donald Swift officiating. Highland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday prior to the graveside service in the funeral home. Everyone wishing to attend the service is asked to assemble at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service by 10:45 A.M. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. A memorial celebration of Dr. Chappell’s life will be conducted in Washington, D.C. plans are not yet complete.
Irving Pierce Cook
Mr. Irving Pierce Cook, age 93, passed away Friday, June 29, 2007 in Abingdon Manor.
Mr. Cook was born February 3, 1914 in Buchanan County, Virginia to the late Morgan Cook and the late Nannie Catherine Street Cook. Mr. Cook was a graduate of Radford University and Lincoln Memorial University. He was a retired school teacher in the Russell County School System having taught at Cleveland High School. He was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church.
Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his wife Gaynelle C. Cook.
Mr. Cook is survived by three sons, Kenneth Cook of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, Jim Cook and Gary Cook both of Abingdon, Virginia. Five grandchildren, Todd Cook, Betsy Cook, Teri Cook, Kristen Cook, and Tracey Cook. Two great grandchildren, Nicholas Cook and Nolan Cook. Two sisters, Elzie Goff of Lynchburg, Virginia and Maudie Stevens of Honaker, Virginia.
A committal service will be conducted 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 3, 2007 in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Forest Hills Chapel. A reception will be held following the service in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Betty A. McCracken Garland
Betty A. McCracken Garland, 59, formerly of Washington County, VA, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2007 in Wellmont Hospice House.
She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, VA except for residing in Weber City, VA for 14 years. She attended the First Presbyterian Church, Gate City, VA and was preceded in death by his parents, David McCracken and Alice Cuddy McCracken.
She is survived by her husband, Everett Garland, Weber City, VA, a son, Randy Robins, Abingdon, VA, a daughter, Mary Rasnake and husband Dual, Abingdon, brothers, Charlie McCracken and wife Sharon, David McCracken and wife, Barbara, Jerry McCracken and wife, Teresa all of Abingdon, VA, sisters, Marie Rash and husband John, Manassas, VA, Eva Murray and husband Ken, Abingdon, grandchildren, Candice Artrip and husband, Andy and Dakota Rasnake, one niece and three nephews, precious friends, Nell McConnell, George and Peggy VanHoy.
A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor John Wesley Price officiating
Pallbearers will be Bobby Garland, Eddie Garland, Jimmy Garland, George VanHoy, Joseph Murray, Matthew Murray, Dakota Rasnake, Andy Artrip.
The committal graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending can assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m.
A special thanks to the Wellmont Hospice House and to Dr. Daryl Pierce for their care and concern for Betty.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Gentry Blackwell
Mr. Gentry Lee Blackwell, age 75, died Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN.
Born on November 8, 1931 in McDowell County, WV, Gentry was a son of Pansy Wilson Blackwell and the late Albert Blackwell. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Theryl Blackwell.
He had lived in Tazewell County, Virginia before moving to the Abingdon area. Gentry was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corp and had retired from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Division after 30 years of service. He was a member of the Midway Baptist Church in Bristol, the Tazewell V. F. W. Post and the Tazewell Masonic Lodge #62 A.F. & A. M.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his former wife and lifelong friend Shirley Hicok of Abingdon; his daughters, Twana Meade and husband Dennis of Bristol, VA and Angie Schumaker and husband John of Abingdon; his sisters, Josephine Blackwell and Martha Goddard and husband Jim all of Tazewell, VA; his sister-in-law, Elby Blackwell also of Tazewell, VA; his grandchildren, David Meade, Hunter Meade, Alexandria Schumaker and Madison Schumaker a well as nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Monday, March 5, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 P. M. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in the Midway Baptist Church, 21318 Old Dominion Drive, Bristol, VA with Pastor Dexter Terry officiating. Entombment will follow the funeral service in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be John Schumaker, Dennis Meade, David Meade, Hunter Meade, Jim Goddard and Gary Blackwell.
Masonic rites will be provided at the mausoleum crypt side by the Tazewell Masonic Lodge #62 A. F. & A. M. Military rites will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. In place of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations in honor of Gentry be made to the Midway Baptist Church, 21318 Old Dominion Road, Bristol, VA 24202
James Edward McCracken
James (Jim) Edward McCracken, age 69, departed this life on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at his home.
Jim was a loving husband, dad, brother and papaw. He had retired from Reynold’s Metals Company in Bristol. Jim was of the Baptist faith and occasionally attended Beaverview Baptist Church and knew Jesus as his savior.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Landon and Lena McCraken; two sisters, Katherine Tuell and Francis Williams and one brother, Curtis McCracken.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Shirley Keene McCracken; his children, Kenny Keene, Diane Wilson, Vickie Burnette, Jimmy McCracken, Ronnie McCracken, Mark McCracken and Dale McCracken; his brothers, Bill McCracken and Ted McCracken; his sisters, Glenna Watson, Ethel Mason, Bobbie Luker, Ann Akers, Sue Widener, Becky Yarbrough and Linda Tebbitt; 19 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his faithful “Buddy”.
A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in the Maple Grove Presbyterian Church cemetery with Pastor Roy Yelton and Pastor Scott Taylor officiating. Pallbearers will be Andy Autry, Kenny Keene, Nat Yarbrough, Adam Wilson, David Wilson, Dale McCracken, Ronnie McCracken and Landon McCracken. The family will be accepting friends at Mr. McCracken’s home at anytime. There will not be a formal visitation at the funeral home, however those who wish may stop by to sign the guest register at anytime. In place of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
Annette Stanley Sykes
Annette Stanley Sykes, formerly of Clintwood, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2007, in Abingdon, VA.
She was born July 16, 1916, in Dickenson County, VA. She was the daughter of James Matthew and Vinia Clay Stanley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, The Hon. L. Bonsall Sykes; a sister, Versie Reedy and husband Claude; two brothers, Dr. E. B. Stanley and wife Buena, and J. C. Stanley; a nephew, Dr. Theril Reedy and wife Allene; a great-nephew, Morrison Reedy; and her dearest friend, Goldie Johnson.
Annette graduated from Clintwood High School, Radford State Teachers College, and Emory and Henry College. Upon graduation in 1942, she taught several years in the Dickenson County School System.
While living in Clintwood, Annette was very active in the Clintwood Baptist Church, her community, and the Eastern Star. Annette and Bonsall owned and operated People’s Department Store for most of their working careers.
Annette is survived by two nieces, Betty Reedy Cole and husband Bill, and Joyce Ann Vanover; two nephews, Dr. Jim Stanley and wife Pres, and Joe Stanley and wife Sue; and a sister-in-law, Elene Lambert Stanley.
The funeral service for Annette Stanley Sykes will be conducted Thursday, March 8, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating and Joleen Hay as eulogist. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be family members. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to the Building Fund of the Clintwood Baptist Church, to the Abingdon Baptist Church, or to the Bonsall and Annette Sykes Scholarship Fund at Emory and Henry College.
The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Jonathan Swank, Mrs. Margie Keith, the staff of Abingdon Manor, and Total Home Health Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care.
Roby Preston Widener, Jr.
Mr. Roby Preston “Rageye” Widener, Jr., age 62, passed away Monday, March 5, 2007 in his home.
Roby was born April 1, 1944 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Roby Preston Widener, Sr. and Bonnie Roxie Dunn Widener. Roby is a United States Marine Corps Veteran having served during the Vietnam.
Roby is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Pansy Mae Hunt, one granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Rouse, three brothers, Albert, William, and Kenneth Widener.
Roby is survived by three daughters, Billie Jo Bowers of Glade Spring, Betty Jo Arnold and husband, “Yogi” of Chilhowie, Peggy Sue Ammons and, husband James of Glade Spring. Two step-sons, Oscar Talley of Glade Spring and Wayne Talley of Glade Spring. Grandchildren include, Nathan Scott Hayden, Zachary Bowers, Tonya Lawson, Courtney Rouse, Steven Talley, Megan Hayden, and Savannah Sanatanna Maria Boardwine Talley. One step-grandson, Brandon Ammons. Two great-granddaughters, Hayle Nicole Lawson and Katlin Lawson. Four brothers, Tommy Widener, and wife Wanda of Danville, Virginia, Harvey Widener and wife, Sharon of Meadowview, Tony Widener and wife Vickie of Martinsville, Virginia and Roger Widener and wife Robin of Glade Spring, Virginia. Three sisters, Corinne Parks and husband, Buddy of Danville, Virginia, Lilly Matthews and husband, Roger of Danville, Virginia and Dorothy Doss and husband, Clayton of Crookston, Minnesota. Special friends, Kathryn “Sis” Lamie and Rick Orr also survive.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 7, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Dennis Blazer officiating. Interment will follow in Greenfield Baptist Church cemetery with Highlands Veterans Honor Guard conducting military graveside rites. Pallbearers will be Tutor Crewey, Gene Yarborough, Barry Hunt, Bobby Hayden, Phil Horton, Micheal Grady, Larry Coalson. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Orr and Lincoln Hunt. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
The family would like to thank the staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Southwest Virginia and Dr. Robinette and Dr. Delaplane.
Curnel Walter Creasy
Mr. Curnel Walter Creasy, age 68, went to be with the Lord, his wife and parents on Monday, March 5, 2007 at his residence.
He was a loving father, Papaw and friend to all who knew him. He lived his life in Washington County, VA and was a retired farmer. He loved to rabbit hunt and fish and he enjoyed his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Sipes Creasy, his parents, Colonal Creasy and Lydia Price Creasy and a very dear friend and hunting buddy, Henry Gregory.
Survivors include his daughter, Lithia Mary Spencer and husband Troy, his son, Scott Creasy and girlfriend Donna Ball all of Bristol, VA, his granddaughters, Elisabeth Wise and husband Jonathan, Abingdon, VA, Reva Spencer, one grandson, Duste Spencer and one step-great granddaughter Haley Ball and one great grandchild on the way, his brothers Bob Creasy, Glade Spring, VA and Bill Creasy, Meadowview, VA, his sisters, Jane Hunt and Shirley Kestner both of Saltville, VA, Linnie Creasy, Marion, VA, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Pastor Jerry Creasy officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet cemetery with Pastor Kenneth Widner officiating. Pallbearers will be Curt Creasy, Robert Creasy, Roland Roe, Mike Gill and Doc Gill. Honorary pallbearer is James Phillips.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
Michael Cutlip
Mr. Michael Kious Cutlip, age 61, died Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at his home.
Michael was born on December 19, 1945 in the Richwood community and grew up in Nicholas County, WV. He was a son of the late Frank Cutlip and Elizabeth Sturgill Cutlip.
Michael was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and Bascom United Methodist Church in West Virginia. He was a U. S. Army Veteran having served in Vietnam as a medic pilot. Michael had worked in the coal industry for over 30 years. He was a former employee of Pittston Coal Company and was currently employed as the Director of Human Resources at Cumberland Resources Coal Company.
Michael loved his family very much and was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need.
His survivors include his wife Mariann Cutlip; his daughters, Andrea Cutlip of San Diego, CA and Emily Cutlip of Abingdon, VA; his father-in-law, Frank Bivens of Wolfsburg, WV and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Henry and Penny Bivens of Crawley, WV.
The a funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 P. M. Thursday, March 8, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Luther Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P. M. until the funeral time on Thursday. The committal and burial service will be conducted at 3:00 P. M. Friday, March 9, 2007 at the Wallace Memorial cemetery in Clintonville, WV with Rev. Charles Stevens officiating.
Ivory Joyce Compton
Ivory Joyce Compton, age 64, passed away on March 8, 2007.
She was a daughter of the late Luther Compton and Ruth Combs Compton of Honaker, VA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jean Wilson Compton; and two nephews, William Luther Compton and L. B. Lawson, III.
Born on Combs Ridge in Buchanan County, she was raised in the Big A Mountain Section of Russell County and graduated from Honaker High School. She also attended Bluefield College. Moving to Bluefield, Virginia in 1970, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bluefield and a member of the “Wayfare Sunday School Class”. She loved golf and tennis and was a former member of the Fincastle Country Club.
Survivors include two brothers and their families: Marion Compton and daughter Jo Karen; Delano Compton and wife Margaret, and their daughters Louise (Ed) Popyk; Leslie (Cmdr. Dr. Fredrick) Hass; three sisters: Margaret Ruth Lawson and daughter, Lynn (Micheal) Richardson; Lisa Lawson and Kevin (Tammy) Lawson; Phyllis (Dr. Daniel) Dye and daughter Deaun (Dr. Andrew) Brockmyre and son Eric (Mandy) Dye; Yvon (Charles) and David Jackson; and seventeen great nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Ivory Joyce Compton will be conducted at 1:00 P. M., Saturday, March 10, 2007 in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Raymond Amos, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Bluefield, VA, officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow the service at Russell Memorial cemetery in Lebanon, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until the time of service Saturday.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Amedsys of Kingsport and Bristol for their kind assistance and support. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.
