Lois StamperBillings
Lois StamperBillings, 73, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at her home in Marion.
Billings was born in1950 to the late James and Eleanor Davidson. She was a naturalcaregiver and worked as a PCA taking care of many in our community.When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed gardening and tending to herflowers, going to flea markets and yard sales, and collecting gnomes.She liked listening to music, with Elvis and Culture Club being twoof her favorites. Above all, Billings loved her family – especiallyher grandchildren, and they will miss her caring and loving way.
In addition to herparents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl "Gene”Billings; grandson, Christopher Stiltner; great-grandson, AidenLittle.
She is survived byher daughters, Angela Harris (Johnny) of Saltville, Susan Stiltner(William Havens) of Glade Spring and Amy Buchanan of Marion; sonsJerry Stamper Jr. of Haysi and David Stamper (Jennifer) of Chilhowie;sister, Barbara Herzig (Tommy) of Front Royal, Virginia; brother,Albert Wayne Davidson of Marion; 18 grandchildren, Brittany Hagy,Andy Harris, Austin Harris, Lindsay Stiltner, Brady Stiltner andChristian Stiltner, Jade Stamper, Nevaeh Stamper, Danielle Stamper,Shane Buchanan (Kelsey), Tommy Buchanan, Alexis Buchanan, KayleighBuchanan, Aiden Puckett, Austin Stamper and Amethyst Workman; sixgreat-grandchildren, Noah, Willow, Eloise "Ellie”, Brooklyn,Hadley and Vincent; several nieces and nephews and their families;special friend, Janie George; and a host of many more friends.
Burial was at MountPleasant Union Church Cemetery, Saltville.
To share memories ofLois Stamper Billings, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Brenda Joyce JohnsonBlevins
Brenda Joyce JohnsonBlevins, 80, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her home in Chilhowie.
Blevins was born inSeven Mile Ford to the late Lewis Britton Johnson and Lora EllenHeath Osborne Johnson and was preceded in death by her infantdaughter, Candace Marie Blevins; brothers Jack Osborne, Ed Johnson,Charles Johnson, LB Johnson and Norman Johnson; sisters, EllenGreenwood and Janie Ross; son-in-law, Darrell Wolfe; andgranddaughter, Stormie Wolfe.
She was a graduateof Chilhowie High School, Marion Business College, and carried themail for 37 years. She was lovingly known as Wifey, Momma, Mommaw,Grammie, Aunt, Friend, and the Mailman.
Survivors includeher husband of 56 years, James Ralph Blevins; son Curtis Johnson;daughters Nanette Davis and husband, Billy, and Kristi Wolfe;grandchildren, Jamie Davis and Megan, Jonathan Davis and Tonya,Michael Davis and Alicia, Matt Davis, Summer Wolfe, Joseph Wolfe andLandon Johnson; great-grandchildren Faith, Grayson, Keagan, Asher,Coleman, Lincoln, Brenley, Emmett, Jordan, Natalia, Chloe, Xander,Braydon, Serenity, Aubrey, Zoey, Saylem and Kamden; and a slew ofnieces and nephews that she loved as her own.
Private funeralservices and burial will be held Friday May 24. A Celebration of Lifeservice will be held on Sunday May 26, between 3 and 5 p.m. atChilhowie Christian Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributionscan be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital atstjude.org. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family atwww.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie isserving the Blevins family.
Christian Lee Damron
Christian LeeDamron, 24, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at home.
He was preceded indeath by his maternal grandfather, Larry Riggins Sr.
Damron is survivedby his parents, Jason and Amanda Damron; sister, Haleigh Damron;brother, Noah Damron, all of Rural Retreat; paternal grandparents,Lori and Phillip Bennett; and maternal grandmother, Linda Riggins.
Family will receivefriends Saturday, May 25, from 4 until 5 p.m. at Fraziers’Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
To share memories ofChristian Lee Damron please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Howard Clarence"Pete” Dunford
Howard Clarence"Pete” Dunford, 91, of Max Meadows died Sunday, May 19, 2024.
He was born Aug. 19,1932 in Wythe County, the son of the late Ellis P. and Luella AkersDunford. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bailey M.Dunford; a daughter-in-law, Belisa Dunford and ten siblings. Dunfordattended St. Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Survivors includehis wife, Faye Dunford; five sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Rayand Carolyn Dunford of Max Meadows, Dennis L. Dunford of Max Meadows,Curtis and Jenny Dunford of Piney, Paul S. Dunford of Pulaski andJames Keith and Pearl Dunford of Pulaski; 10 grandchildren; 18great-grandchildren; and many extended family and close friends.
Burial was in St.Paul Church Cemetery.
Barnett FuneralHome, Wytheville, is serving the Dunford family.
Gladys DillowEpperson
Gladys DillowEpperson, 76, of Wytheville died Thursday, May 23, 2024.
She was the daughterof the late Estel A. and Myrtle Pauley Dillow she was preceded indeath her son, Charles Epperson.
Epperson is survivedby her sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Susan Epperson of MaxMeadows, Billy and Kristin Epperson of Wytheville, Marvin "Dougie”and Brooke Cox of Pulaski; sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda andAndy Cuff of Bland, Connie and Mike DeWilde of Bland and DebbieBlankenship of Wytheville; brother, Donnie Ray Dillow of Bland; sevengrandchildren; a great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service willbe held 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conductedby the Rev. Danny Helmondollar, with interment to follow in BethanyLutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 26,from 1 p.m. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sentto the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Homeis in charge of arrangements.
Carolyn Fay Gilbert
Carolyn Fay Gilbert,56, died Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Gilbert was aone-of-a-kind, headstrong and stubborn mule with a beautiful crazypersonality. There was never a dull moment and her stories can vouchfor that. She was so selfless that she would forget her problems tofix someone else’s. If there was one thing you knew for certain,you weren’t going to win an argument with her; and it didn’tmatter if you were a stranger, she would tell you what was on hermind. She was a CNA for several years taking care of others as shedid her entire life being a mother to many. Carolyn loved crosswordpuzzles, keeping an immaculate home, camping, swimming and church.There is a comfort that her daily talks with Jesus are now face withface.
She was preceded indeath by her parents, Hiram and Bretta Gilbert; sisters, KarenGilbert and Catherine Mullins; brother, Bill Gross.
Surviving are herdaughter, Candy Gilbert; son, Matthew Gilbert (Catie);step--children, Sherman "Mus” Stumbo, Michael Spears, JessicaSpears and Michelle Spears; brother Junior Gross; Nevaeh Gilbert,Rayven Diggs, Temperance Hayslette, Dajwan Diggs, Gabriel Hayslette,Isiah (ike) Hayslette; nieces, Flora, Nickey, Amanda, Stephanie,Katie Short, Leann; nephews, Joey, Mickey, David, Little David,Zackery and a host of many other beloved family; her two specialcowboys, Ethan Jones and Dale Jones; many babies not by blood but outof a heart of love.
A Memorial Serviceto honor her life will be held Friday, May 24, at Fraziers’Seaver-Brown Chapel beginning at 6 p.m.
To share memories ofCarolyn Fay Gilbert, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Mary Kathleen Gilley
Mary KathleenGilley, 83, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Gilley was born onMay 3, 1941, in Smyth County. She dedicated 24 years of her career toworking in the cafeteria at Marion Senior High School. her greatestjoy was her family, especially her grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She loved travelingand never missed a chance to watch any sports they participated in.As an outstanding mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, shewill be profoundly missed by all her family and friends.
She is preceded indeath by her parents William Lee Hampton and Lela Nora MorrisHampton; her husband Gale Rex Gilley; son Earnest Gilley;granddaughter Erin Puckett Breedlove; and several brothers andsisters.
Gilley is survivedby her two daughters, Kimberly Gail Breedlove and Kathy Aker andhusband, John; grandchildren Jeremy Breedlove, Marcus DeBord andApril Ellis and husband, Steven; great-grandchildren FisherBreedlove, Madie Breedlove, Forest DeBord, Jaxon DeBord and CadenEllis; sister Francis Lorraine Heath and husband, Claude; and severalnieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
Funeral serviceswill be held at 7 p.m., Friday, May 24, from the Bradley’s FuneralHome Chapel in Marion with the Revs. Otis Barker and Dennis Ellerofficiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., onFriday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11a.m., Saturday at South Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Family andfriends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for theprocession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be madeto St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may besent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home ofMarion is serving the Gilley Family.
Danny WadeGroseclose
Danny WadeGroseclose, 75, of Huddle community died.
He was born in WytheCounty on Oct. 10, 1948, to the late Earnest Clinton and MarieSpraker Groseclose. He was a lifetime dairy farmer, avid AtlantaBraves Fan and a veteran having served in the United States AirForce. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Lyons Groseclose.
Survivors includehis two brothers and sister-in-law, D. Mike and Wanda Groseclose ofWytheville and Craig Groseclose of Wytheville; brother-in-law andsister-in-law, Bill and Janet Lyons of Rural Retreat; sister-in-law,Michelle Groseclose of Ivanhoe; niece and husband, Carrie and ChrisUmberger of Rural Retreat; nephew, Nathan Groseclose of Ivanhoe;several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and theBreakfast Club.
A graveside servicewill be held 10 a.m. Friday, May 24, at Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery5550 Bagging Plant Road – Dublin, VA 24084 with the Rev. Eddie Fryofficiating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers thefamily request donations be made to the Huddle Memorial UnitedMethodist Church c/o Teresa Akers 1489 Old School Road Wytheville, VA24382. Online condolences can be sent to the family atwww.grubbfuneralhome.com
The Groseclosefamily is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.
John Harvey GrubbJr.
John Harvey GrubbJr., 83, of Marion died Monday, May 20, 2024, at Bristol RegionalMedical Center, Bristol, Tennessee.
Grubb was born in1940 to John H. Grubb Sr. and Doris Painter Grubb. In addition to hisparents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, and his eldestson, John Grubb III.
Grubb is survived byhis wife of 62 years, Nancy P. Grubb of Marion; children, Diane Longand husband, Kenny, of Abingdon and Kevin Grubb of Fort Chiswell;four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Grubb died aftersuffering from serious illness. He was a Christian man whose life isbeing celebrated by family and friends knowing that he is with JesusChrist. Grubb was a graduate of Rural Retreat High School andattended Emory & Henry College where he played four varsitysports. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with family andfriends, creating many fond memories. His greatest contribution tosociety came from his many years spent serving the public. His careeras follows: 20 years as Virginia State Trooper, 8 ½ years Chief ofPolice – Town of Marion, elected Sheriff of Smyth County in 1991;retired in 1996 after 32 ½ years spent in law enforcement; appointedby Gov. George Allen to the VA Science Services Board, and later tothe Comm. Trans. Board, serving over a decade. He had enjoyment inknowing that he had helped to make his community and country a betterplace. He took pride in the young officers that he helped mentor andtrain, who have made positive impacts through the decades.
Family will receivefriends Sunday, May 26, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Fraziers’Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 5 p.m. with theRev. Emmitt Wilson officiating. Graveside services will be heldTuesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 4410 Lee Highway,Marion.
In lieu of flowers,please make memorial donations in John’s name to your local church,or the American Lung Association, National Direct Response, PO Box756, Osceola WI 54020-0756 or online at www.lung.org.
To share memories ofJohn Harvey Grubb, Jr. please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Harold R. Mabe
Harold R. Mabe, 86,died Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Abingdon Health & Rehab.
Mabe was born inBurke County, North Carolina, on June 2, 1937, to Carl and CleotaMabe (nee Abernathy). He was preceded in death by his parents and hisbrother, Carl L. Mabe Jr.
He is survived byhis wife of 60 years, Betty Powell Mabe of Abingdon.; daughter,Cynthia Mabe Goodrich (Kenneth) of King, North Carolina;granddaughter, Amanda Leigh Goodrich Robertson (Michael) ofPfafftown, North Carolina; great-grandson, Parker Blaine Robertson ofPfafftown; sister-in-law, Marjorie P. Akers (William); and severalbeloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
Mabe was thevaledictorian of Glenn Alpine High School’s Class of 1955. Hefurthered his education at NC State University in Raleigh where hereceived his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1962. He retiredat the age of 60 after 40 years of employment with Brunswick Defenseas a Mechanical Engineer.
An engineer by tradeand at heart, Mabe took great joy in finding the precise solution tomany of life’s puzzles. He could often be found deciphering thejumble or cracking the Cryptoquote in the daily newspaper,calculating the perfect distance between place settings to fit theentire family around the dinner table, and even determining just theright angles to make a perfect slice of pie.
Mabe had a passionand a talent for card games. An avid bridge player, he was a memberof the Duplicate Bridge Club in Marion for 49 years. Mabe was also askilled poker player and participated in numerous World Series ofPoker events in Cherokee, North Carolina, and Tunica, Mississippi,during his retirement. In his younger years, Mabe also enjoyedplaying golf, bowling and traveling.
Mabe will beremembered by those close to him for his quick wit and his keen senseof humor; for the delight he took in a good meal shared with hisloved ones; and for his delicious and meticulously-crafted coffeemilkshakes, through which he turned his love of food into an act oflove for those around him. He will be remembered for his goodcharacter, his kindness, and his warm, welcoming smile. He will beimmensely missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.
Immediate familywill hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.
To share memories ofHarold Mabe, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Richard AllenMurphey
Richard AllenMurphey, 72, died Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Johnston MemorialHospital, Abingdon.
Murphey was aveteran of the U.S. Army.
Services will beprivate.
To share memories ofRichard Allen Murphey, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Ruby Jean Olinger
Ruby Jean Olinger,90, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital inAbingdon.
Olingerwas born inBroadford to the late John and Carrie Olinger. In addition to herparents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Ann Olinger;her brothers, Charles Olinger, John Olinger, and Donald Olinger; andher sisters, Betty Jernigan, Dorothy Clear, and Mary Emma Carter.
Olinger was adevoted caregiver to her family, always prioritizing their needsabove her own and being available whenever they needed her. Sheplayed a crucial role in raising her four grandsons, taking immensepride in watching them grow and play football over the years. Shealso enjoyed sewing and watching her favorite game shows in her sparetime.
She is survived by four grandsons, Jonathan Turley, Brennan Turley, Nathan Godsey andJosh Godsey; brother Sgt. Maj.(RET) Robert Olinger; sisters ShirleyOlinger and husband, Ern, Polly Sue Woodard and husband, Ken, BrendaHanco*ck, and Carol Davis; great-grandchildren Gracie, Mason, CallieJo, Adaleen and Skylie; brother-in-law Jim Carter; sister-in-lawClattie Olinger; numerous nieces, nephews, and a special friend SusieArmstrong.
The family willreceive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 24, from the Bradley’sFuneral Chapel in Chilhowie. Graveside funeral services will be heldat noon on Saturday, May 25, at Ridgedale UMC Cemetery in RichValley. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family atwww.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie isserving the Olinger Family.
Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens, 90,died Wednesday May 22, 2024, at the Valley Health Care Center inChilhowie.
Roger Dale "Rabbit”Tilson
Roger Dale "Rabbit”Tilson died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his home on Scratch Gravel inMarion.
Tilson was veryloved by his community. He was a loving and kindhearted person thateveryone loved. He never met a stranger. He always said speak toeveryone you see because you don't never know what kind of day thatperson is having. Tilson graduated from Marion Senior High School in1989.
He was a member ofthe Marion Fire Department EMS for 23-plus yrs. He enjoyed drivingaround at Christmas with the Santa sleigh with the Mayor David Helms,and the Grinch. He loved watching the faces of kids and even adults.
He started workingat Kmart. And then went to Visdor (Coffman stairs) where he spent 20plus years. Later he went off to living his dream of driving a truckfor Kegley Trucking. He worked four years at General Dynamics. Thento the Town of Marion. He had made forever friends at all places. Hewas known as the trash truck driver, and he loved going aroundblowing the horn at everyone. Most of all he enjoyed seeing the kidsgetting excited and waiting on the trash truck. Tilson also enjoyedhelping with the VFW Post 4667 with putting flags out on thecourthouse lawn for Memorial Day.
Tilson was proceededin death by his parents, Stanley and Pauline Tilson; and one brother,George Allen Tilson.
Surviving are hiswife of 17 years, Donna H Tilson; sons Tyler Tilson and wife,Jessica, of Chilhowie and Junior Hall and wife, Meranda, of Marion;grandchildren Brock, Myndee, Autumn, Rizia Bentley, Lee, Brylee andJynna Hall, all of Marion; his miracle grand-baby Hadleigh Tilson ofChilhowie; two fur baby's Chewbacca and Lola; brother andsister-in-law Clark and Tonya Tilson; nephew Cooper Tilson fromCaramel Indiana; special uncle Bill Gullion; and aunt Frances Casselland husband, Jimmy.
We would like tothank the doctors and nurses at WCCH for taking good care of him.Wythe Hospice of SWVA for their support. His wife would like to thankthe family and Fire/EMS for all they did, and all the friends andfamily that came to see him.
Funeral serviceswill be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 26, from the Bradley’s FuneralHome Chapel in Marion with the Revs. Ernie Powers and David Biseofficiating. The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m., onSunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11a.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat.Full Fire/EMS Honors will be rendered by the Marion Fire and EMS.Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy maybe sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Homeof Marion is serving the Tilson Family.
Raymond Russell"Rusty” Umberger Jr.
Raymond Russell"Rusty” Umberger Jr., 47, of Wytheville died Tuesday, May 21,2024.
He was born Oct. 2,1976 in Wythe County.
Survivors includehis parents Raymond Russell Umberger Sr. and Connie B. Umberger; adaughter, Kenda Rosenbaum of Abingdon; a grandchild on the way; asister and brother-in-law, Tina and David Jarvis of Rural Retreat;two nephews, Cameron and Kaden Jarvis; and several aunts, uncles andspecial friends.
The family willreceive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at BarnettFuneral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. atRosewood Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Craig Caylor officiating.
Barnett FuneralHome, Wytheville, is serving the Umberger family.
Robert Wymer
Robert Wymer, 84,died Monday, May 20, 2024, surrounded by family.
Wymer was born andraised on Park Street in Marion. Not only did he grow up there, buthe also spent his entire life living on that street and raising hisfamily. A hardworking man, Wymer never seemed to rest. He retiredafter 35 years as a custodian at Marion Senior High School. Known byeveryone and never meeting a stranger, Wymer was well-respected inthe community and always ready to lend a helping hand, especially tohis neighbors. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors, oftenvisiting his cabin, The Mouse Hole, in Troutdale. Wymer treasured thetimes spent with his family, creating countless cherished memories. Adevout Christian, he exemplified Christ in his daily life and was anactive, faithful member of the Marion Church of the Nazarene. Wymerwas also very patriotic and proud of his country, as well as a strongsupporter of Donald Trump!
He is preceded indeath by his parents Roscoe and Nevada Williams Wymer; brothers GeneWymer and Bud Wymer; and sisters Lilly Carney, Helen Taylor, VioletSlagle, Joy Williams and Peggy Harris.
Wymer is survived byhis wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Wymer; two children, B.J. Wymer andShrimp Wymer and wife, Chelle; grandchildren Josh Taylor and wife,Taylor, Laken Shaffer and husband, Timothy, Jon Wymer and wife,Allie, and Sarah Ellis and husband, Matthew; great grandchildrenSpencer Shaffer, Holly Ellis, Rowan Taylor, Jonah Ellis and MasonTaylor; his beloved dog Toby; brother-in-law James Walls;sisters-in-law Nancy English and husband, Dennis, and Trish Sousa andhusband, Jackie; and several nieces and nephews to include specialnephews Walter Taylor and Kenny Taylor.
Expressions ofsympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’sFuneral Home of Marion is serving the Wymer Family.
