U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Sylvia Alberts
Sylvia Alberts, 63, of Rural Retreat, the Cedar Springs Community, died Thursday, April 9, 1998, at her residence.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 10, at 1 p.m. at Sylvia Alberts' residence with Henry Bolduc, the Rev. Michael Hoyle, and the Rev. Kenny Price officiating.
She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Sam Sollengerger of Rural Retreat; two sons and daughter-in-law, Seth and Carol Alberts of Houston, Texas, and Joshua Alberts of Charlottesville; one sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Max Bendich of Bronx, N.Y.; and one brother, Sidney Matoren of Bronx, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who prefer may make memorials to the charity of choice.
The family will receive friends Sunday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat is in charge of the arrangements.
Alda Umberger Archer
Alda Umberger Archer, 82, of Wytheville, died Saturday, May 2, 1998, in Birdmont Health Care Center.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 5, at 2 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ron Umberger officiating. Interment followed in the Archer Family cemetery.
She was born in Wythe County, a daughter of the late Stuart and Minnie Bowles Umberger. She was a life-long member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and was retired from Crest Department Store and Greenlawn Classics.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy McCoy Archer; two sisters, Pearl Cassell and Lena Felty; and four brothers, Brown Umberger, Arthur Umberger, Glenn Umberger and Edward Umberger.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and John Turney of Colonial Heights; one granddaughter and spouse, Karen and Joe Micou of South Boston; one grandson, Dan Turney of Chester; three great-grandchildren, Courtney Turney, Carolyn Turney and Kyle Micou; one sister, Ula Orfield of Wytheville; one sister-in-law, Billie Umberger of Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.
Fred Bradshaw
Fred Bradshaw, 71, of Bland, died Friday, May 1, 1998, at his home.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at the A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with the Rev. Frank Clifton and the Rev. J.D. Clark officiating. Burial followed at Shiloh cemetery, Bland.
He was born Jan. 11, 1927, at Pedro, Ohio, a son of Barbara Bradshaw and the late Frank Bradshaw Sr. He was a retired self-employed timberman. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, George Bradshaw, Amos Bradshaw and Frank Bradshaw Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Reba Williams Bradshaw of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon Bradshaw and Roy Cumbee of Rich Creek, Wilma and Rick Faulkner of Rocky Gap, and Terry Harless of Bland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Rhonda Bradshaw of Bastian, and Rick and Dee Dee Bradshaw of Rocky Gap; mother, Barbara Bradshaw of Bland; eight grandchildren, William Tickle, Chris Tickle, both of Bland, Amy Berry, Kristen Bradshaw, Anthony Bradshaw, all of Bastian, Jeremy Harless of Bland, Eric Faulkner, and Adriana Faulkner, both of Rocky Gap; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol Shaneyfelt of Lake Mary, Fla., Donna and A.D. Burton of Narrows, Yvonne and Chuck Jarrett of Marietta, Ga., Virginia and Elwood Cash of Richmond, and Juanita and Ralph Thompson of Greensboro, N.C.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Woody and Doris Bradshaw of Bland, and Shannon and Bea Bradshaw of Tazewell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 10, Bastian, VA 24314.
A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home in White Gate was in charge of the arrangements.
James Logan Chitwood
James Logan Chitwood, M.D., 87, of Pulaski, died Friday, May 1, 1998, in the Columbia Pulaski Community Hospital after a long illness.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski with the Rev. David Coffey Jr. officiating. Burial followed in Oakwood cemetery in Pulaski.
He was born in Sylvatus on April 15, 1911, and was a son of the late Giles Hambrick Chitwood and Ella Victoria Blankenship Chitwood. He graduated from Hillsville High School in 1929, earned his BS degree from Lincoln Memorial University of Harrogate, Tenn. in 1938, and taught chemistry at Hillsville High School from 1938 until 1939. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1943. He became a captain during World War II and served as 1st Lieutenant to Captain as the Battalion Surgeon with the 35th Infantry U.S. Army 1944-46 and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished service. He completed his residency at the McGuire General Hospital 1946-48, and did post graduate at Harvard in 1950. He established a private practice in Pulaski in 1948 and was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1956 and retired from Pulaski Community Hospital in 1980.
During his career he served as Chief of Medical Services at Pulaski Hospital, vice-president of staff Pulaski General Hospital, consultant in medicine at St. Albans Hospital, Radford, member and past president of the Virginia State Board of Medical Examiners, diplomat of American Board of International medicine, Associate A.C.P., member of the American Medical Association Medical Society of Virginia, member and past president and executive council member of the Southwestern Virginia Medical Society, member and officer of the Pulaski Academy of Medicine, member and past director of the American Heart Association of Virginia, member and past president of the Pulaski Heart Council, and the Virginia Council for Health and Medical Care.
He served the community as a member and past chairman of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. He was the eldest member of the Pulaski Elks Club, the Science Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow with the Pulaski Rotary Club. He was former director of First Federal Bank and of Virginia National Bank, served as director of the Randolph Bank and of Virginia National Banks, served as a director of the Randolph House Home for Adults, Pulaski. He was a trustee emeritus of Lincoln Memorial University and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski.
He was an avid agriculturist, and was the former owner of Graham's Forge Farms and the Major Graham's Farms in Wythe County, and a member of the Virginia Cattleman's Association and Dublin Feeder Association.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie Jean Painter Chitwood; two sisters, Edith Chitwood Cochran, and Gladys Chitwood Hicks; and three brothers, Joseph Randolph Chitwood, Howard Chitwood, and Conrad Chitwood.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Jean Chitwood Moore and Gene Moore of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a son and daughter-in-law, James Logan Chitwood Jr. and Karen Largen Chitwood of Pulaski; four granddaughters, Elizabeth Logan Chitwood of Ararat, Maia Logan Moore of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kelly Nichole VanDeusen of Pulaski, and Amy Lynnette VanDeusen of Pulaski; two sisters, Mary Chitwood Taylor of Lynchburg, and Viola Chitwood Edwards of Stowe, Ohio; a brother, Edmond "Ned" Chitwood of Hillsville; and 10 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Free Clinic of Pulaski County or to the Education Scholarship through the Pulaski Elks Club.
Stevens Funeral Home Inc. in Pulaski. was in charge of the arrangements.
Verlon Letcher Gregory
Verlon Letcher Gregory, 78, of Pulaski, died Saturday, May 2, 1998, in the Columbia Pulaski Hospital.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m. at the Dora Highway Baptist Church with the Rev. L.J. Rippey officiating. Interment followed in the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin.
Born Sept. 19, 1919, in Draper's Valley, he was a son of the late James Stanley Gregory and Mahala Henley Gregory. He was retired from H.T. Bowling Construction Company with over 30 years of service. He was a member of the Dora Highway Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Chester Paul Gregory.
Survivors include his wife, Annie Graham Gregory; two daughters, Mrs. Terry (Linda) Quesenberry of Pulaski, and Mrs. Eddie (Brenda) White of Dublin; one son, Donald Eugene "Gene" Gregory of Pulaski; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, one stepgreat-granddaughter; three sisters, Mrs. Walter (Edith) Crigger of Dublin, Mrs. George (Velma) Vaughan of Wytheville, and Mrs. Allan (Thelma) Lindsey of Pulaski; and two brothers, Clayton H. Gregory of Pulaski, and Collin H. Gregory of Salem.
Bower Funeral Chapel in Pulaski was in charge of the arrangements.
Lillie Belle Gordon Long
Lillie Belle Gordon Long, 91, of Rural Retreat, died Saturday, May 2, 1998, in the Birdmont Health Care Center in Wytheville.
A graveside service was held Monday, May 4, at 3 p.m. at the Mountain View cemetery in Rural Retreat with the Rev. Will Shewey and the Rev. Robert Countiss officiating.
She was the widow of Leonard G. Long.
She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Anna Sue and Bill Jones, and Della L. Greer, all of Rural Retreat; one son and daughter-in-law, William "Bunk" and Irene Long of Rural Retreat; one sister, Mary Gordon of Wytheville; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, one niece and three nephews.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat was in charge of the arrangements.
Norfa B. McAllister
Norfa B. McAllister, 81, of Dundalk, Md., died Friday, May 1, 1998, at her residence.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in the Davis cemetery.
She is survived by three daughters, Deeta D. Bishoff, Gail Morris, and Chris Prettyman, all of Baltimore, Md.; one son, Jerry McAllister of Baltimore; five sisters and a brother-in-law, Virginia Hoback, Doris and Elbert W. Collins, Letha Richardson, all of Wytheville, Thelman Cutshaw of Conway, S.C., and Ann Richardson of Chesapeake; four sisters-in-law, Sarah Sheffey, Charlotte Mabe, Mary McAllister and Nellie Sharitz; a brother-in-law, Roy Hale; and 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Gillman Funeral Chapel in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.
Billy Lewis McGrady
Billy Lewis McGrady, 58, of Wytheville, died Saturday, May 2, 1998, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church cemetery.
He was preceded in death by a son, Rickey McGrady.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley McGrady of Wytheville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Julia McGrady of Crockett, and Kelly and Diane McGrady of Wytheville; three sisters, Freda Bedsaul, Josie Jackson, both of Wytheville, and Helen Thomas of Speedwell; four brothers, Herman McGrady, Howard McGrady, Paul McGrady, all of Rural Retreat, and Junior McGrady of Wytheville; and five grandchildren.
Gillman Funeral Chapel in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
Joyce Viar Potts Walls
Joyce Viar Potts Walls, 67, of Dublin, died Wednesday, April 29, 1998, in the Radford Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at the Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski. Burial followed in the Odd Fellow cemetery, Ivanhoe.
She was born in Wythe County on June 6, 1930 and was a daughter of the late Carvin Linwood Viar and Allie Crigger Viar.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Potts; and by a brother, Cecil R. Viar.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Wanda Potts of Dublin; daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie and Dallas McPeak, and Trina and Rick Johnston, all of Pulaski; a grandson, Christopher Shane Johnston of Pulaski; granddaughters and spouse, Stacy and John Lee Ayers II of Killeen, Texas, and Crystal Gale Potts of Pulaski; a sister, Mrs. Donald (Eleanor) Scott of Max Meadows; six brothers, Douglas Viar of Dublin, Everett Viar of Fries, Carl Viar of Pulaski, Harold Viar of Cripple Creek, Thomas Viar of Draper, and Hensel Viar of Ivanhoe; and special friends, Ellen Farmer, Carole Akers, Elsie Hetherington, Ann Millirons, Charlie Dunford, and Sandy Hoback.
Stevens Funeral Home Inc. in Pulaski was in charge of the arrangements.
Garnett Miller Ager
Garnett Miller Ager, 81, of Wytheville, died Sunday, May 3, 1998, in the Wythe County Community Hospital after a long illness.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home Chapel in Wytheville with the Rev. Dr. Charles C. Burnett and Pastor Joe Shumate officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery.
He was born in Speedwell, a son of the late Nelson and Nancy Blanche Andrews Ager. He graduated from Wytheville High School in 1933 after which he went to Washington D.C. to attend business college. He received a degree in accounting and was employed there until the early 1940's. He was a prominent businessman and a prominent retired Wythe County farmer. He was owner/operator of the Wythe Milling Company for many years.
He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church since 1926 and had served on the administrative board and as a trustee. He joined the Wytheville Rotary Club in 1950, served as Rotary president from 1956 to 1957 and was secretary for 20 years from 1964 to 1984. He presented the Foreign Language Endowment to Wythe Community College Foundation in 1984 in the name of the Rotary. He and his wife were made Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary Foundation on July 24, 1985.
He served Wythe County for over 40 years. He was a member of the County Planning Commission since its inception in 1964, 25 years of which he was secretary/treasurer from 1967 to 1982 and was vice-chairman from 1982-1985. As the property owner, he worked with the county to provide the land necessary to establish Fairview Industrial Park. The Wythe County Industrial Development Authority named the recreation area in the Fairview Park "Ager Park" in honor of Garnett and Margaret Ager on Dec. 19, 1984. The park opened in May 1991 and was dedicated to the memory of Margaret C. Ager. He was one of the sponsors of the playground.
He was a member of the Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce and of the Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission. He served on the following boards: Wythe County Community Hospital, Wythe County Farm Bureau, the Big Walker Soil and Water Conservation District board for over 35 years and the Grayson-Carroll-Wythe Mutual Insurance Company. He received the following recognitions: Outstanding Citizenship Award by the Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce in 1988, the Honorary Chairmanship of the United Way Campaign in 1992, and the state's highest award for meritorious service by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in 1995. He established an endowment fund to provide a scholarship each year to a college student pursuing studies in a field related to soil and water conservation.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Shelling Ager; a brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Henry Ager Sr.; and his parents.
Survivors include a niece, Kathleen Elaine and Dr. Henry Tyrrell of Burtonsville, Md.; a nephew, Arthur Henry Jr. and Linda Ager of Nashville, Tenn.; a special cousin, Genevieve Walters of Wytheville; and a special friend, Rebecca Grubb of Wytheville.
The family suggests that those who prefer may make memorials to the St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.
Kathleen Wohlford Bowers
Kathleen Wohlford Bowers, 90, of Rural Retreat, died Wednesday, May 6, 1998, in the Birdmont Health Care Center in Wytheville.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Larry M. Bollinger officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Church cemetery in Crockett.
She was born in Wythe County, the daughter of the late Frank B. and Ollie Umberger Wohlford. She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Rural Retreat.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Lindsey Bowers; a grandson, Gary Steffey; and a brother, Hugh C. Wohlford.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Mary and John Mulloy of Pasadena, Md.; one stepdaughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Mark Threatt of Roanoke; three granddaughters and spouses, Kathy and Robert Williams of Route 4, Wytheville, Erin and Gary Stringfellow of Annapolis, Md., and Colleen and Doug Ronconi of Pasadena, Md.; great-grandchildren, Lorri Williams, Kevin Williams, Caitlin Stringfellow, and Briana Stringfellow; a niece and husband, Hope and Fred Rector of Salem; and a nephew and wife, Donald and Glenda Wohlford of Draper.
The family requests that those who prefer may make memorials to the Rural Retreat Emergency Services, the Zion cemetery Fund, or the Grace Lutheran Church Organ Fund.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat is in charge of the arrangements.
