Cadet Obituaries

Format: 2025

John Morgan Gibson

1961
 

John Morgan Gibson of Lewisburg passed away at the Peyton Hospice House on Friday, September 15, 2023, following a long illness.

John was born to Richard Vernon Gibson and Mary Morgan Gibson Detch on February 17, 1943.

A longtime and dedicated educator in Greenbrier County, John was a graduate of the Greenbrier Military School, in Lewisburg, WV, Randolph Macon College, in Ashland, VA, and obtained his master’s in education from the West Virginia Graduate College.

John served as a teaching principal at Williamsburg Elementary, principal at Lewisburg Intermediate School, and one semester as the last principal at Lewisburg Junior High before the county middle school consolidation. John worked in the insurance industry for a few years before returning to his true love of teaching. He adored the students, the teachers, and administrators throughout his career and retired from teaching at Alderson Elementary.

A loving father, he is survived by his son John Morgan Gibson II (Kathy) of Lewisburg, grandsons Morgan Gibson (Melissa) of Delmar, MD, Dillon Gibson of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jack Gibson (Mykenzie), and his granddaughter Megan Gibson of Beckley, and his daughter-in-law Jennifer Highlander Gibson Brown.

He will be missed by his extended family, including sisters Nancy Jo Hansen (Bruce) of Orange, CT, and Ellen Gibson Goodwin of Morgantown, WV, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Also left to remember John is his longtime partner, Mary Dailey, who was steadfast by his side.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his second son, Michael Scot Gibson, and his brother-in-law, Stephen P. Goodwin.

A kid at heart, in addition to his passion for education, his other great loves included spending time with his family, time spent at his cabin on Spring Creek and gardening. He also enjoyed talking, telling tales, driving muscle cars, as well as occasionally thrilling his nephews with a quick ride.

Always the epitome of cool and a truly unique individual, it is essential to note this obituary and future memorial service are for those he left behind, as John’s instructions were just to let him go with none of the fuss.

At John’s request, his body has been donated to West Virginia University for the advancement of science.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Chapel at 884 N. Jefferson Street, Lewisburg, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Peyton Hospice House at 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901, in memory of John M. Gibson.

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Richard Carden

1949
 

Richard Otis (Dick) Carden, 92 of Richmond, died Tuesday September 12, 2023. He was the
retired editor and publisher of The Virginia Engineer magazine.

He is survived by his wife, Georgeen Dahlem Carden; four children from a previous marriage,
Richard II, who preceded him in death (Patty), of Hanover; W. David (Susan), of Cumberland; Susan
Baskette (Roland), of Cumberland; John Earl (Jan) of Cumberland; and two step-children, Stephen
Garfield, of Texas, and Bonnie Garfield (Keith), of Pennsylvania. He is also survived by six
grandchildren, Jessica Sharp, Elizabeth Carden, Isaac Porter Carden, Robert K. Lipscomb, IV, Sara
Welton and Megan Richardson and step-grandchildren, Leah Gonzalez and Joel Garfield. He has nine
great-grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

Born in Richmond on January 19, 1931, his early years were in Victoria, VA, where his father,
Roscoe, was a lawyer. His mother, Francis Otis, was a retired Director of Public Welfare for the City of
Hopewell.

An honors graduate of both Greenbrier Military School (1949) and Washington and Lee
University (1952), he later earned a master’s degree at the University of Richmond.
He was Chief of the Suffolk Bureau for the Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch, and ended a 10-year
newspaper career to become the first Director of Public Relations for the Virginia Retail Merchants
Association. He later became Executive Director of the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, a
position he held until he resigned in 1972 and became owner/publisher of The Virginia Engineer. After
retiring, he built and flew his own airplane.

He and his wife lived in Cumberland County for more than 40 years before moving to the
Masonic Home of Virginia in 2016. An active Episcopalian, he served as both Parish and Cure Warden;
he was a past president of the Cumberland Farm Bureau and the Farmville Chapter of the Experimental
Aviation Association, and served on the boards of the Cumberland Public Library, Cumberland County
Meals on Wheels, and the Cumberland Community Christmas Mother. He was a Past Master of
Cumberland Masonic Lodge and was a District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia.
After moving to Richmond, he became active in the Varina Food Pantry, an outreach activity of Varina
Episcopal Church.

A memorial service with reception following will be held at the Masonic Home of Virginia, 500
Masonic Lane, Richmond,VA 23223 on October 2, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Grove
Church Cemetery, Old Buckingham Road, Cumberland, VA 23040 on October 3, 2023 at 11:00 am.
Heading west on Old Buckingham Road (Rt 13) from Powhatan,VA the cemetery is located on the left
just past Sunnyside Road. Heading east on Old Buckingham Road (Rt 13) to Powhatan,VA from
Cumberland Courthouse, the cemetery will be on the right just past Strawberry Hill Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Varina Episcopal Church Food
Pantry, 2385 Mill Road Henrico, VA 23231 or the Masonic Home of Virginia, P O Box 7866
Richmond, VA 23231.

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Paul L. Turman

1960
 


PAUL LEWIS TURMAN "Mayor T" went to see his Savior on August 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Bill Turman, and his mother and father-in-law, Minnis and Gladys Yeager. He also was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Jack and Chuck Yeager. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Karen of 60 years; his two sons, Paul Jr. (Lorri) and Tom (Patty) and his daughter Teresa (Rob Blake); his brother and sister-in-law, Waymond (Peggy), his sister, Donna Jefferson, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Yeager; his grandchildren, Megan (Nick) Anuszkiewicz, Bryan (Katy) Turman, Laura and Lee Blake, William and Olivia Turman; his great-granddaughter, Emery Ann, who brought him so much joy, and his great-grandson, Benjamin Paul, who is on the way; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Paul was a graduate of Barboursville High School where he served as the Class President of 1959. He played football, baseball, basketball and wrestled for the Pirates. Everyone affectionately called him "Termite" and the name stuck for all his life. Afterwards, he was off to Greenbrier Military Academy. He then went to Marshall University where he received an ROTC scholarship. He proudly played for his beloved Thundering Herd football team that he loved supporting from the stands and later from his recliner. He enjoyed recounting how he never dropped a punt during his time on the team. He served his country in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and was promoted to the rank of Captain. Following his service he worked at his family's construction company, Turman Construction. During this time, he served as the President of the Contractors Association of West Virginia. Paul was particularly proud of his service to his community that he loved as both a Barboursville City Council member and the Mayor of Barboursville for 14 years. He was a member of Steele Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of Gideon International where he served his Savior in this ministry.

Donations in memory of Paul can be made to the Gideon International or the Huntington City Mission. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.

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Harold K Smith

1956
 

H.K.'S OBITUARY
H. K. Smith, 86, of Parkersburg passed away Tuesday August 1, 2023 at the Eagle Pointe Healthcare Center. He was born September 15, 1936 in Marietta, OH, a son of the late Harold and Evelyn (Smith) Smith.

H.K. graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1955, where he ran track and was a running back on the football team. After graduation, he went to the Greenbrier Military Academy, in Lewisburg, WV, attended Marshall University and then served his country in the United States Army. H.K. worked for Amax Specialty Metal Company in Washington, WV, was a former Wood County Clerk, manager of the American Legion Post #15 of Parkersburg, and was part of the PHS Chain Gang for over 40 years. He enjoyed golfing and was active with the Parkersburg Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Cozart Smith; two sons, Terry Smith (Pam) of Williamstown, Riker Smith (Yuri) of Parkersburg; one brother, Allan Johnson of Johnson City, TN; one sister-in-law, Joy Smith of Belpre; four grandchildren, Shane Smith, Brooke Cooper, Kiko Smith, Yume Smith; three great-grandchildren, Palmer, Cameron, Arlo; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, H.K. was preceded in death by two sisters, Diana Sue, Sheila Rae, and one brother Phil.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Belpre Church of Christ Food Pantry 2392 Washington Blvd. Belpre, OH 45714.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Camden Clark Medical Center, Housecalls Hospice and the staff at Eagle Pointe Healthcare Center for their love and care.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of H.K. Smith, please visit our Sympathy Store.

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Robert Thomas DeHart

1962
 

Robert Thomas “Tom” DeHart, Jr., 79, entrepreneur, creator, athlete, and bigger than life, Tom DeHart, 79, died Tuesday July 18th at his daughter’s home in Oxford, MS.

Born July 27, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Wenonah, NJ, Tom was always involved in sports. Growing up Tom played little league baseball and football. The family treasures Tom’s ball glove and football pads that are mementos of that time he spent with his brothers as child athletes. Tom graduated from Woodbury High School, where he was a state wrestling champion and played high school all-american football. It was football where recruiters for Memphis State noticed Tom’s natural skills. Tom would move to Memphis where he would play on the offensive line 1963 - 1966 while earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Tom would return to Memphis in the late 60’s where he was a general assistant and offensive line coach 1967 - 1970 for the Tigers.

It was while he was a student at Memphis that Tom met Sandra on a blind date, and it was love at first sight for both of them. After more than 58 years of marriage, Sandra passed just days before Tom, and he re-joined her on what would have been her 79th birthday. Tom and Sandra were die-hard Tiger fans, holding season tickets for decades. If they couldn’t be at the game,
they spent every Saturday watching the game on TV while at the same time listening to the radio play-by-play…they always wanted to know how their Tigers were doing!

Services for Tom and Sandra will be held at a later date.

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James Nurney Joyner, Jr.

1963
 

Col. James Joyner Jr. of Lexington died July 4.

Col. James Nurney Joyner Jr. (retired), man of honor, dedicated Army officer and ’67 Virginia Military Institute alumnus, devoted husband, committed family, church, and community member, died Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

No date could be more fitting for a man who dedicated his life to this country and the values that are most noble in it. Jim lived a life defined by honor, service, and leadership. He held high standards for all and never asked anyone to do anything that he was unwilling to do himself. He was an eternal optimist who unflaggingly worked to enact a world in which all people showed respect and felt respected and valued.

Jim was born to the late James Nurney Joyner and Dorothy Stone Joyner on April 28, 1944, in Norfolk. He was the eldest of four children and donned his first military uniform at the age of 13 as a cadet at the Greenbrier Military School in West Virginia. From that date until his retirement from VMI 54 years later, Jim spent his school and working life in uniform.

After graduating from Greenbrier Military School in 1963, Jim matriculated at VMI. There he met a core group of lifelong friends, his band of 1967 brother rats. Upon his graduation in 1967, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and married his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner and companion, Barbara Ann Joyner, a graduate of Mary Baldwin College.

Jim and Barbara spent 52 years of marriage together as Jim served his country as an Army officer and Barbara held the family together through deployments, 13 duty assignment moves, and all the other highs and lows of daily living.

Jim was deployed to Vietnam shortly after their marriage; while deployed his daughter, Virginia “Pebble/Gin” Stone West, was born in 1969. When Jim met his daughter during R&R in Hawaii, he was enamored. Two duty stations later, his son, James “Jamie” Nurney Joyner III, was born in Berlin, Germany. The family moved all around the world as Jim served at Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Berlin, Fort Lewis, Korea, The Naval War College, VMI, the Pentagon, Fort Drum, and back to VMI to finish his active-duty service.

While in the Army, Jim furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in psychological counseling from Georgia State University in 1975. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School, U.S. Naval College Command and Staff School, and the U.S. Army War College.
His awards and decorations after 26 years of active military service included the Legion of Merit Award, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Military Meritorious Service Medal x3, Army Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal x2, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal x2, Vietnam Service Medal x3, Vietnam Campaign Medal x3, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, U.S. Army Staff Identification Badge, U.S. Army Ranger Tab, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Having lived in Lexington as a cadet and having served twice as an Army officer in the ROTC department at VMI, Jim and Barbara desired to settle in Lexington after retirement from the Army. After briefly teaching as a JROTC instructor in Richmond in 1996, Jim became director of cadet affairs at VMI and the couple moved back to Lexington.

In 1997, Jim became commandant of cadets; this was the year following the Supreme Court ruling and the first female cadets matriculated at VMI. Jim was committed to making that inclusion successful; he worked tirelessly to ensure that all cadets unified to become one Corps. After serving as commandant for three years, Jim served in three other senior administrative positions at VMI before his retirement in 2011.

After his second retirement, Jim dedicated his time to his wife, family, and several community service organizations and boards. He learned to enjoy life in civilian clothes and spent as much time on the golf course as possible. He relished planning several VMI ‘67 class reunions and always enjoyed time with his BRs and attending VMI football and basketball games. Jim and Barbara were committed members at Lexington Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed spending time with friends and traveled to visit family, as well as to favorite destinations like Kentucky, Germany, Hawaii and Walt Disney World. Wherever they went, they ate well and shared every moment both good and hard, until Barbara’s death in 2020.

Heartfelt thanks go out to the friends and caregivers who supported Jim in the three years since Barbara’s death; among those caregivers are Diane Bowman, Stephanie Berkshire, Tammy Berkshire, Jennifer Repper, Kay Bennington, the staff of Brookdale Staunton’s Memory Care Unit, and Hospice.
To remember Jim, you could get donuts from Krispy Kreme, eat some cake, display an American flag, take a drive through the country, head out on the golf course, watch and feed the birds, talk with a friend ‒ old or new, or share a meal with your family. Most of all, treat everyone with unfailing respect, knowing that it is only in that way that we can have the country that Jim envisioned and worked for tirelessly throughout his life.
Jim is survived by his siblings, Alice Langford of Roanoke, Richard Joyner of Richmond, and George Joyner of Waynesboro; his children, Virginia Joyner West and husband, Ken, of Culpeper, and James Nurney Joyner III and wife, Laura, of Lexington; and his three living grandchildren, Hanna and Alex West, and Caroline Joyner. He is predeceased by his lifelong partner, Barbara, and his grandson, Thomas Joyner.

A graveside military burial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lexington. This will be followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at Lexington Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow afterwards at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Virginia Military Institute or Lexington Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Donald Franklin Richmond

1952
 

Donald “Don” Richmond age 86, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2023 at his home in Nokomis Florida.

Born in New Jersey to Howard and Leona Richmond he was the youngest of three sons. The family moved several times during his youth. Some of Don’s fondest memories were of his childhood in West Virginia. The family eventually made their way to Ohio.

Don was a Cadet at the Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg West Virginia (Class of 52) and went on to be a member of the Unites States Navy. Don also attended the University of Toledo, and The Ohio State University.

After school Don began a career in retail management where he was best known as “Mr. Richmond”. During his 30 plus year career with a S.S. Kresge and Value City Department stores he relocated many times around the Midwest.

Don’s first wife Beverly passed after a long illness, subsequently he met Mary Lou. They married in the early 1990’s relocating from Northeast Ohio to the Kings Gate Club community in Nokomis Florida. Don loved being involved in the Kings Gate Community and its many activities. Don and Mary Lou spent many years as the travel directors at Kings Gate, travelling all over the world making beautiful memories not just for themselves but their many close friends.

Don is survived by his wife Mary Lou. His Children; Mark Richmond (Beth), Timothy Richmond, Marianne Richmond Mathies, Eddie Lehman, Debbie Sopko (Ed), 11 Grandchildren, and 7 Great Grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife Beverly (Smith) Richmond, his son Dale Richmond and his brothers Howard and Richard

A ceremony and burial will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers please consider a monetary donation to Tidewell Hospice Tidewell Foundation www.tidewellfoundation.org

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Kevin Dale Turner

 

Kevin Dale Turner Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Shawgo Memorial Home - Astoria, IL. from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2023.
October 29th, 1956 – June 21st, 2023
Kevin Dale Turner, 66, of Rowlesburg, WV and rural Rushville, IL, passed away Wednesday June 21, 2023 at his home. Kevin was born on October 29, 1956 in East Liverpool, Ohio a son of the late Jacob and Ruth Cox Turner. Kevin was originally a Morgantown Firefighter before becoming a local real estate developer and contractor in the Morgantown area.

He was the Founder of The Holy Pursuit Dream Foundation which provides hunting and fishing trips for children suffering from, or have previously suffered from, a life threatening illness at no cost to them or their families. In the last years of his life he made it his mission to make a difference in the lives of children through this foundation.

Kevin is survived by his son, Shiloh (Hannah) Turner and their son Isaiah of Rowlesburg, one brother Jacob Craig (Anne) Turner of South Carolina and one sister Lori (Steven) Turner of Ronceverte, WV

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George William Craft II

1966
 

George William Craft II, age 76, of York, PA, previously of Mechanicsburg, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 after an extended illness. Born February 8, 1947 in Bluefield, West Virginia, son of Thomas Alfred & Frances (Garwood) Craft.

He was a proud alum of Greenbrier Military School, whose motto of truth, duty, and honor he embodied. George served with that same truth, duty, and honor in the US Army during the Vietnam War, based in Ft. Lee, Virginia. He studied at West Virginia State University and settled into a long, fruitful career with the US Navy in the Fleet Materials Support Office as a Systems Analyst. His colleagues found his humor, sharp thinking, and enthusiasm for moving projects forward to be a great asset. He loved his family and friends fiercely with a truth, duty, honor, and humor that was felt by all.

He leaves behind his loving partner of 13 years, Eileen Chindblom of York, PA; his daughter Sara Concini (Michael) of Cary, NC; his son Alexander Craft; and the mother of his children, Kathie (Eavis) Craft. Additionally, he leaves behind his two grandchildren, Rachael and Benjamin Concini; and his sons by relationship, Carl Chindblom (Allyson) and Michael Chindblom (daughter Lizzie). He is survived by his siblings, Ann Marie Schafter and Donald (Monique) Craft and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Charles T. Craft, his dear friend and brother-in-law, Lawrence J. Schafter.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date; more details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA or any Army Veterans Association of your choice.

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/28148819/george-william-craft-ii

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Charles F. Wilson, Jr.

1966
 

Charles Wilson Obituary

It is with great sadness the Wilson and Varney families announce the death of Charles F. Wilson, Jr. age 74 on May 27, 2023 at his home in Pikeville, Ky with his devoted wife, Wanda at his side after a long battle with cancer.

Chuck was born October 9, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois to the parents of Dr. Charles F. Wilson and Pett Lemon Wilson. His Homecoming will be celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the J.W. Call Funeral Home in Pikeville, KY with hours of visitation from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM with services starting at 7:00 PM with Tommy England, Jim Patton, Kenny Hamilton and Morgan Chapman officiating. He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Charles F. Wilson and Pett Wilson Doherty along with his Mother and Father in Law Jojn and Ruby Varney. Chuck is survived by his loving and devoted wife Wanda Varney Wilson, a special Son in Love Thomas Miller of Robinson Creek, KY and his children Tommy (Erin) Wilson of Lexington, KY and Katie Wilson Miller of Pikeville, KY along with his grandchildren Sagan Wolff Wilson and Madeline Ann Miller, a sister, Sharon Proctor (John) of Louisville, KY and two brothers Kim Wilson (Lynn) of Louisville, KY and Steve Wilson (Rosemary) of Richmond, Ky and his Brothers in Love Larry Varney (Patty) of Pikeville, KY and Allen Varney (LoJeanne) of Lexington, KY along with a host of friends too many to mention.

He did not let his battle with cancer slow him down and he maintained a positive attitude throughout his illness and showed more concern for others than for himself. He was an inspiration and shining light to so many and for that he will be remembered every day by his friends and family. He attended Pikeville High School and Greenbrier Military School, was a graduate of UPike and he attended University of Arkansas School of Law and returned to Pikeville to practice law upon graduation until 2003 when the battle for his life began.

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Gilbert Frederick

1957
 

Gilbert Bruce "Gil" Frederick died May 3, 2023.
Per his request there will be no service. No other information available.

https://www.waybrightfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gilbert-Gil-Frederick?obId=27869308

John Rex White

1965
 

John Rex White
May 4, 1946 – March 21, 2023

John Rex White was born on May 4, 1946, in a Washington D.C. Naval hospital to parents Ruth Barnett White and Howard Hall White and brother Kyle White. Howard was in the Navy and the family moved a lot before they put down roots during Rex’s elementary school years in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, where they had a farmhouse and were surrounded by Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Howard was a leader in the meat packing industry and helped set USDA grading standards, while Ruth was an active community leader advocating for women’s rights from the 1920s to her passing. Ruth loved her family and enjoyed giving to her community through service and raising collies. Rex participated in 4H and Kyle played football. They enjoyed their years and made many lifelong friends in Emmaus.

For high school Rex attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia and graduated in 1965. He then briefly attended Hillsdale College and transferred to California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC) in Oakland. While at CCAC, he met Wendy Marcus. They shared talent and interest in creative art styles. In 1968, Rex and Wendy married, and both graduated with bachelor degrees in fine arts.

Following college, Rex and Wendy drove a Saab and camped through Mexico and Central America, including Guatemala and Costa Rica. Upon their return to California, with their friend Frank Carson, they traveled to the remote fishing village of Shelter Cove in Humboldt County and bought land.

In 1972 their son Praj Olam Ananda White was born at the Garberville Hospital with help from Dr. Jerold Phelps. That same year they began construction of their home, a geodesic dome inspired by Buckminster Fuller, that became known as the “Dome”. Several years later, the Dome was a real functioning home and work of art.

Rex’s brother, Kyle, died just after Praj was born. Kyle was a natural leader, worked as an attorney for the Black Panthers, and likely would have entered politics to continue his activism but cancer took him early at age 31. Kyle has been greatly missed. Praj attended the funeral as a baby and carries many of Kyle’s charming qualities.

In 1973, the Big Finley Creek Fire burned from Whitethorn all the way to the ocean. Only a rope hanging in the Dome burned, and the undamaged Dome was spared. In the post-burn landscape, they stayed in a nearby cabin where their daughter, Adona Celeste White, was born in 1975 with attendance from midwife Kate Lanigan; Dr. Bill Hunter arrived soon after. Adona has become a community leader carrying forward her mothers and grandmothers’ charisma. Rex and Wendy continued to build the Dome and pioneered a homestead.

Rex fished commercially to support the lifestyle he and Wendy created. Rex was part of the mosquito fleet that fished primarily out of Shelter Cove, Fort Bragg, and Eureka. Fishing for salmon, Albacore, and rock fish on several boats, including the Hooker.

Rex and Wendy separated in 1982, with the kids attending Jacoby Creek School in Arcata and spending summers and weekends with Rex at the Dome. Rex played music with friends and neighbors weekly and was lead singer and guitarist with a local band called the Repercussions.

In 1984, Rex met Nella Coker and in 1986 they were married and lived together in Benbow. Nella is a wonderful stepmother to the kids, who both started their working years at the Benbow Inn dining room at age 14. In 1995 Rex and Nella founded the first internet service in Southern Humboldt, ASIS Internet, where they served the community for many years. In 2003, their Benbow house burned down, and Rex’s father Howard passed away two weeks later. With the help of Praj and son-in-law David Walsh, Rex and Nella rebuild their home. In 2005, Rex and Nella separated.

Rex spent the next few years caring for his mother Ruth in Eureka and West Virginia. In 2012, Rex returned to Humboldt County and lived in McKinleyville, where he enjoyed his grandchildren, church, playing music, and painting, while struggling with declining health.

In 2022, Rex moved to a cottage in Redway and continued to play music with the Repercussions and to paint, finding new techniques and forms of creative expression. He enjoyed the warm sun and warm fires.

Rex passed away on March 21, 2023, on the spring equinox and the new moon, at his daughter’s home. Wendy passed away just 36 hours later.

Throughout his life, Rex was active in eclectic spiritual practices including, Hippy, Vedanta, Tantric Yoga, Qi Gong, redwoods Monastery and the Episcopal Church. Rex was an active member of his community and offered his services readily. Rex was a longtime supporter of community non-profits including KMUD and the Mateel Community Center. Rex served as a videographer and video archivist for decades including local theater and music events, including the long running events Jazz on the Lake and Reggae on the River.

Rex was always creating and innovating. Some of his entrepreneurial pursuits included Video Now, the Repercussions, Almondio, Pacific Standard Lumber, Access Solutions Information Services (ASIS), Natural Video in Production (NVIP), Rextracts Magic, and Rex White Gallery.

Rex was a snappy dresser and was happy to see people he knew and happy to meet new people. He made every effort to participate in the party. He was energetic and charming. Long and lanky, he was full of humor and showmanship. Rex shared himself generously and exuberantly with his family, friends, and community. Rex was an activist for the Earth and liberty. Rex was a poet, a musician, and an artist. Rex was ever exploring and philosophizing. He loved deeply and wholly.

Rex will be missed. Rex is survived by his son Praj White, daughter in-law Alisa White, and his grandchildren Logan Kyle White and Isabella Rose White, his daughter Adona White, son in-law David Walsh and granddaughter Vida Sacha Rayne Walsh, and former wife Nella White, as well as a few first cousins.

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William Lee Broaddus, Jr

1950
 

BROADDUS, William Lee , Jr., 91, of Hopewell, Va., died January 17, 2023.

A lifelong resident of Hopewell and Prince George County, Bill was the son of William Lee Broaddus and Evelyn Pleasants Beckham. He attended Greenbrier Military School, the University of Virginia, and served in the U.S. Navy. After returning to Hopewell, he led W.L. Broaddus, Inc. (later Commonwealth Industrial Services) which was founded by his father, co-founded Plant Food Products, Inc., and was active in the Rotary Club.

Bill is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Broaddus Kelly; his children, Meriwether, Molly and Warner; and his grandchildren, Liza (Matthew Wheeler) and Catharine Dent, and Wilton and Christopher Stubbs. He is also survived by beloved nieces, cousins and extended family.

Interment services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens. The family thanks Rosetta Banks and the wonderful staff at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center and the Richmond VA Medical Center for their care and kindness to Bill and our family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's memory to the Historic Hopewell Foundation or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 22, 2023.

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Thomas D. Hanway

1969
 

THOMAS D. HANWAY, age 71, Beloved husband of Keleen McDevitt. Cherished father of Christopher, Brad (deceased) and Kenneth; step-father of Angel Moherek (John). Loving grandad of Tucker, Kian, Grayce, Annaleen, and Charlotte. Dear brother of Janice Cook (Thomas), Kenneth Hanway (deceased) and Pete Hanway (Beverly). Son of the late Kenneth and Grayce (nee Elston) Hanway.

Tom Hanway was born in Charleston, West Virginia (WV). He attended Greenbrier Military School and then graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, WV.

Building on a very successful career selling analytical instruments, Tom founded Gasco Affiliates, LLC in 1996 and quickly established the company as a leading global supplier of calibration gases and a highly respected brand that consistently delivered product on time, as promised. Tom was also ahead of the marketplace with his interest in sustainability and the environment, and worked tirelessly to develop the industry’s first DOT-approved refillable cylinder as a way to keep cylinders out of landfills. His EcoSmart cylinder remains the cylinder of choice among distributors focused on quality, safety and the environment. Throughout his life, honesty and integrity were of utmost importance to Tom, whose personal and business philosophy was direct and simple, “If you want to keep people happy –family, friends, customers or employees – you must be loyal to them.” Tom sold the company and retired in 2017, but remained active developing new innovative products.

Throughout his life he thoroughly enjoyed owning classic muscle cars and traveled to car shows as often as possible. He loved to bike, boat, hike, swim and even enjoyed bird watching. Living on the shore of Lake Erie was a dream come true for Tom. He and Keleen became donors and volunteers to the Lake Erie Foundation. He believed educating people on the issues that impact Lake Erie, its rivers, and streams was imperative to sustain clean water, an utmost natural resource to life.

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David P. Allen

1971
 


David P. Allen Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David P. Allen of Beckley, West Virginia, who passed away on January 10, 2023, at the age of 71, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Coe C Allen and Beulah Mae Allen; and his brother James R. Allen. He is survived by : his sons, Christopher Allen (Erica Engel Allen) of Asheville, NC. and Joshua Allen; his wife Valorie Michael Allen; his grandchildren, Nathan Allen (Riley Allen) of Alice Springs, Andrew Allen of Los Angeles, CA. and Rio Simone Allen of Asheville; his step-granddaughter Edie Francis Engel of Asheville; his great grandchild Parker Lee Allen; his sister Jeanne Allen Nagye (Elmer) of Beckley, WV; and his sister-in-law Kathy McCormick Allen of Waynesville, NC.

Donald E. Smith

1954
 

Donald Erwyn Smith, 86, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 5, 2023. Don was the son of Donald A. Smith and Gertrude Harper Smith, brother of Patricia Smith Wilson (Robert Kay), of Marietta, Ohio.

Don loved his sister dearly, and she can tell many stories of him being a typical little brother. He grew up on the banks of the Ohio River in Hartford, where many of his childhood adventures took place. Stories of fishing, racing his boat and “treasure hunting” in the flood waters bring to mind a “real life” Huckleberry Finn. He had a bird dog “Bill” and loved hunting with his dad. Don graduated from Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg in 1954. He then attended Duke University but had to leave school when his father passed away to run the family business — the Liverpool Salt and Coal company. While he did this, he attended Ohio University and “the” Ohio State University and even found time to be the mayor of Hartford.

In 1961, Don met the love of his life, Linda Huffman and they were married for 60 years. They had two daughters, Ann Smith, of Albemarle, N.C., and Kathy Smith Cool (Thomas), of Ruskin Fla. Don was close to his brother-in-law, Cliff Huffman (Jenny), and sister-in-law, Mary Bobbitt, of Lewisburg. Don graduated a proud West Virginia Mountaineer in 1969 from the WVU School of Dentistry and practiced dentistry in Morgantown from 1969-2011. When he retired, he and Linda moved to Ocala Fla. and later to Apollo Beach, Fla. to be closer to family.

Don loved to hike and backpack in the sun or snow and loved fishing in the river by the family cabin in Moorefield — his “happy place.” He loved his WV Mountaineers and almost always had his WV hat on. He was crazy about his girls — Ann, Kathy and his granddaughters Sarah and Kat, who affectionately called him “Poppy.” He also loved his nieces and nephews — Debbie Coffman, Jan Eichinger, Beth Wilson, Jim Wilson, Jane Hill, Patrick Huffman, Russell Huffman, Meg Burton and Cam Huffman.

Don loved the Lord and lived by the Golden Rule, treat others as you want to be treated. He was always a gentleman and we will miss his sweet soul and kind ways. We love you Poppy. We ask that in lieu of flowers, you may send a contribution to Lifepath Hospice, 4200 Cypress St., Suite 690, Tampa FL, 33607. They were so kind and helpful during Don’s illness. Arrangements are by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.

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Nathaniel "Nat" Harris

1966
 

Dr. Nathaniel “Nat” Noble Harris II of Lewisburg, WV, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2022, with his daughter, Kate Harris, and devoted partner of 15 years, Charlotte Baldwin, by his side.

Nat was born in Ronceverte, WV, on December 14, 1948, to the late Carolyn Moore Harris and the late Robert Miller Harris. He was the youngest of five siblings, including Robert “Bob” Harris, Shirley Wester, William “Bill” Harris, and Margaret McClain, all of whom preceded him in death.

Nat’s formative years were spent by the Greenbrier River at Camp Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca, where he refined his basketball skills and learned to fish and trap wild game, including skunk, raccoon, and fox. To the delight of his mother, many of these became pets. The last several years of his time spent at camp were as a camp counselor. He most enjoyed being a canoeing and swimming instructor, as well as a wildlife mentor.

Nat attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg from 1962-1966, where he played varsity basketball and averaged double figures and led the team in assists. After graduation, he attended Centre College in Danville, KY, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry in 1970. Nat enrolled in the National Guard shortly after his college graduation and completed his basic training in Fort Still, OK, where he trained in artillery. He was a platoon leader and earned an expert distinction in riflery with an M16 at 300 yards.

He then attended West Virginia University for his master’s degree in Freshwater Ecology. He used his degree to work for the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources, where he supervised strip mine revegetation research and oversaw the state’s Wild Rivers Program.

In 1974, he enrolled at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He returned to Lewisburg after completion of his residency in 1981 and served as an Emergency Physician for four years. He was also the medical director of EMT services for Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs during that time. He joined his uncle, Dr. Houston Moore, and formed Lewisburg Family Practice Center in 1983, where he proudly served the local community as a Family Physician for nearly 20 years. He took great pride in his profession and was endlessly dedicated to the well-being of his patients.

Nat was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass and red eye, as well as hunting grouse, turkey, and deer. He was also an avid sportsman who never missed a Mountaineer game and enjoyed golf, having been an active member of the Elks Club for 42 years. Nat was loved by his friends, and he loved them back. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and loved his family wholeheartedly.

A celebration of life in Nat’s honor will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Lewisburg Elks Country Club from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to:

The Moore Family Community Fund
PO Box 1682
Lewisburg, WV 24901

Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.

Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.

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George Martin Edmiston

1971
 


George Martin Edmiston, 66, of Heath, Ohio died on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022.

He was born September 13th, 1956 in Webster Springs, W.Va. to the late Dr. George B. Edmiston and Beatrice Martin Edmiston. He attended Greenbrier Military School until 1971 and graduated from Webster Springs High School in 1974 and received his BA in Business Administration from Fairmont State University in 1983. George met the love of his life, Lynette Sass in 1986. They subsequently married in April 1995. George excelled in many avenues, as he was an accomplished guitar and bass player, and an avid student of history, specifically World War II. His friends and family members remember his wicked sense of humor, love of debate, and fierce loyalty to friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Lynette Sass Edmiston, his two sisters, Carol Edmiston (James) of Springfield, Ohio and Jane Pfautsch (Michael) of Granville, Ohio, including loving in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Thomas S. Hill

1968
 

Obituary for Tom Hill

Thomas S. "Tom" Hill, 72, of Hurricane, WV, formerly of Huntington, WV, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, at his residence.

Tom was born September 19, 1950 in Long Island, NY a son of the late August Schneider and Nancy Stubblefield Hill. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Davis Hill and his mother-in-law, Rosemary Davis. He graduated from Greenbrier Military School and attended Marshall University and University of Charleston. Tom was retired from Moses Automotive and had investment properties. He was a member of Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church. Survivors include: a son, Dr. J.B. (Jennifer) Marinacci of Hurricane; a beloved sister, Helen "Cookie" Maser of Charlotte, NC; a sister-in-law, Vicki Rutherford of Milton, WV; two brothers-in-law, Mike Davis of Orange, CA and Keith (Sally) Davis of Huntington; three grandchildren whom he adored, Alyssa Marinacci, Andrew Marinacci, and Addley Marinacci; a niece, Catherine (Scott) Phelan of Fort Mill, SC; a nephew, John (Corey) Maser of Apex, NC; two great nephews, Ryan Maser and Alex Thomas Maser, both of Apex; and numerous friends, including a very special group of golf buddies. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, December 12, 2022 at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington and one hour before the service Tuesday at the church. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, 2848 Putnam Avenue, Hurricane, WV, with Pastor Joe Kenaston officiating. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of his three favorite charities St. Jude's Children Hospital, Huntington City Mission, or Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapmans-mortuary.com

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Paul Lacy III

1964
 

Mr. Paul B. Lacy, III, age 76, of Covington, died Thursday, December 1, 2022, at his residence. He was the husband of Linda Stone Lacy.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 4, 2022 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. William "Bill" Hartsfield officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at Loving Funeral Home.
The family requests that those attending the service follow social distance guidelines by wearing masks. Also, they request that you refrain from wearing any fragrances in respect of those who are highly allergic to them.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; send online condolences at www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Alfred Essa Salamy

1950
 

SALAMY, Alfred Essa, age 90, of Pettus, West Virginia passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at home. He was born on September 30, 1932 in Charleston, West Virginia to Louis and Aileen [Zegeer] Salamy, the first of two sons. As the son of a Lebanese immigrant, Alfred was proud of his heritage and traveled with his family to Beirut, Lebanon in 1950 as a teenager. He would later recount the many exotic locations and amazing sites he experienced while visiting Lebanon and Egypt, including the Great Pyramids of Giza. Alfred attended Whitesville Elementary and later the prestigious Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV, class of 1950. During these years, he also proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest youth award in the Boy Scout Division of the BSA, an honor only 4 percent of members ever achieve. He attended college at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown in the early 1950s where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in radar systems. After graduating WVU, he joined the United States Navy in 1956 where he served in the rank of 2nd lieutenant [LTJG] and was stationed on the USS DuPont (DD-941) during the Korean conflict, crossing the equator on several occasions during peaceful times. Following an honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1959, Alfred began working for Syracuse University Research Corporation (SRC) and then General Electric in Syracuse, NY as a radar engineer specialist in 1961.

While in Syracuse, NY, he was introduced by friends to his future wife, Beverly, a registered nurse, whom he married in December 1962, sharing their lives for almost 40 years until Beverly's passing in 2002. He and Beverly had three children while making their home in Syracuse: Debra [Paul Scholz] of Silver Spring, MD; David [Shelby Auippa] of Marion, TX; and Karen [Douglas Au] of Santa Cruz, CA. In 1976, Alfred and family moved back to his hometown of Whitesville, WV to be closer to his parents and to work with the family's furniture business. He would later become the operational manager of Dixie Furniture after the passing of his father in 1996.

Alfred was a well-known resident and business owner in the Whitesville, Boone County, and Raleigh County, WV areas for the last 46 years. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Whitesville State Bank since 1997; served as the Director spearheading the development and construction of the Mountain Terrace 35-unit Senior Apartment facility in Whitesville; and he worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm on the "Turn This Town Around" revitalization effort for his beloved Whitesville — which the town won in 2014. Alfred was known for his amazing "steel-trap-like" memory and was extremely interested in family ancestry (his and others), often proudly introducing 2nd and 3rd cousins that did not know they were related in and around the town of Whitesville. He was a strong advocate for the Raleigh County public school system, especially during the years his children attended, and almost never missed a meeting (despite the 40+ minute drive to Beckley each way) to voice his opinions or concerns at every county Board of Education meeting. Over the last 40years, he belonged to the Whitesville Presbyterian Church and attended often with his wife and family where he served as a Deacon. He was also a proud member of the FreeMasons / Masonic Lodge #168 and the Lion's Club in Whitesville.

Alfred is predeceased by his wife, Beverly [Cowan] Salamy, his parents, Louis and Aileen Salamy, and his brother Raymond. He is survived by his three children: Debbie and her husband Paul, David and his wife Shelby, and Karen and her husband Douglas; his five grandchildren: Stephanie Scholz, Audrey Scholz, Devon Scholz, Emerson Au, and Layton Salamy; sister-in-law, Joyce Salamy and family, nephew Fr. Christopher Salamy, and niece Michelle Moujaes; his niece Kimberly Boyington and nephew Timothy George Pash IV; and the many other cousins, grand-nephews and grand-nieces in West Virginia, across the United States, and abroad.

There will be a visitation for those who wish to say their final farewell to Alfred onSaturday, November 26, 2022 at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Whitesville from 1 to 4 p.m. His family will hold a graveside service in mid-January 2023 so that all will be able to attend following the holidays. In lieu of flowers for the visitation, please consider a donation to Alfred's favorite charities in his name: The American Cancer Society, the Kfeirian Reunion Scholarship Program (kfeir.com/scholarship-recipients.html), or to the Town of Whitesville for community revitalization efforts (www.taxexemptworld.com/organizations/whitesville_wv_25209.asp).

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Marvin K Conley

1967
 

Marvin Kent Conley, 72, of Charleston, WV, died peacefully Sunday, August 28, 2022, at HospiceCare CAMC Memorial. Born November 2, 1949, he was the son of Jason and JoAnn Conley of Charleston. Marvin attended Fort Hill Elementary, John Adams Junior High, and George Washington High School, where he won the state journalism contest. He played basketball growing up and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 5 of the Buckskin Council. Marvin was a proud 1967 graduate of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg. He received the Best Drilled Cadet award and was editor of the school paper. He attended Marshall University in Huntington and was a faithful Thundering Herd fan. After college, Marvin went to work for Rhodes Brick Company in St. Albans. He moved his young family to Clemmons, NC, in 1978, where he was a member of Clemmons Presbyterian Church and served as elder, sang in the choir, and was the building maintenance supervisor. Marvin was elected to the first Clemmons Village Council, serving as councilmember for several years. He was a High School and College basketball official and was co-founder of Clemmons first recreational basketball team, the Clemmons Cougars. He worked for Cunningham Brick, then owned and operated Tanglewood Paint Center in Clemmons. After closing the Paint Center, Marvin continued to operate side businesses throughout the years. He worked for Lowe’s as a paint specialist and was the sales supervisor for Duron/Sherwin-Williams until his retirement in 2010. Following retirement, Marvin moved back home to Charleston. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Charleston where he sang in the choir and shared his faith through solo performances. He attended and sang in the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Dunbar. Marvin was an avid reader and historian. He loved researching his ancestry and sharing his family legacy with everyone he knew. His stories and history lessons will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Marvin is survived by four children, Maura Copeland and husband Jamie of Statesboro, GA, Michelle Conley of Advance, NC, Jason Conley and wife Jemma of Mooresville, NC, and Megan Conley Carson and husband Cole of Rural Hall, NC; five grandchildren, Carter, Landrey, and Tyler Copeland, Keller and Addilyn Conley; one sister, Anitra Conley Thomas and husband Joe of New Bern, NC; two brothers, Tom Conley and wife Lynnette of Saint Mary’s, OH, and William “Bill” Conley and wife Eileen of Chester, VA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In honoring Marvin’s wishes he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston with Reverend Dr. William C. Myers and Pastor Kari Preslar officiating. Interment will follow at First Presbyterian Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301.

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James "Spider" Headman

1960
 

Headman, James of Wyandotte passed away on July 21st, 2022 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Judy Headman. Loving stepfather of Tim Goins. James was a life-long member of Elba-Mar Boat Club in Grosse Ile and was always excited to take the boats in and out of the water for the season. He was a member of the American Legion #217 for 51 years, as well as the VFW Post #1136. He also participated in the Breakfast Club of VFW #1136. James was known as a people person and a man with a great sense of humor. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Spider spent 4 years at GMS, graduating from in 1960 and returning as a PG 1960 - 1961.

Edward W. Gallaher

1951
 

Edward Walter Gallaher, Sr. passed away on Thursday, 23 June 2022, at the age of 90. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 64 years, Jackie Lou (Newell) Gallaher, in March of 2019. Ed is survived by:

His Daughter in law, Dawn Keyes Gallaher. Ed’s son, Edward W. Gallaher, Jr., pre-deceased her.

His Daughter, Kathy Lynn (Gallaher) Loyd, Kathy’s husband Eddie Joe Loyd, granddaughter Kacy Lynn Loyd, her husband Josh Jackson, their children, 2 of Ed’s 7 great grandchildren, Kaylie Marie Jackson and Karma Nykole Jackson;

His Son, Thomas A. (Tag) Gallaher, his wife, Barbara Jeanne (Jeannie) (Oulla) Gallaher, Granddaughter Caroline Marie Gallaher and her children, 2 of Ed’s Great grandchildren, Jude Adrienne Gallaher and Caleb Avery Gallaher and Granddaughter Stephani Nicole (Gallaher) Digweed, her husband Jonathan Alan Digweed, and their children, the other three of Ed’s 7 great grandchildren, Alexander Michael Digweed, Sophia Gabrielle Digweed and Aurianna Raphaelle Digweed;

His Brother in law, Dr. Donald Clifford (Doc) Newell, Jr., his wife Darlene L Newell, and their children (Ed’s nephews) Dr. Ryan Newell (Wife Lisa, children Tucker, Trent, Ella & Owen) and Lee Newell (wife Dawn, son Tommy). And his Niece Mary Beth Gallaher.

Parts of Ed’s story follow -

Ed was born 4/22/1932 in Chillicothe, OH, to Clarence Augustus (1894-1960) & Bessie Novina (nee Walde) Gallaher (1899-1992). He had an older brother, Charles (Uncle Charlie to us kids, but always Charles to Ed) and an older sister, Dorothy June, who passed away from polio as a child. Ed grew up in Chillicothe, OH and Williamsport, OH (which is about 30 minutes up the road (and the Scioto River) from Chillicothe). Ed’s Dad, Clarence, a WWI veteran from the Field Artillery (horse drawn) ran a lumberyard and hardware operation – We’re told Ed had the ‘fanciest bicycle in town’ as they sold them at the hardware store. Ed fell out of a tree at 10 years old and broke both arms… he had to have another kid at school help him in the bathroom! And we’ve heard stories about how, during WWII when there were strict requirements to haul trucks full both directions, Grandpa Gallaher (Clarence) learned how to manage if there simply wasn’t a load for the return, deflating the tires a bit and using a canvas to make the truck look fully loaded! Clarence completed through 7th grade, per the 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/imag… and Bessie 4th grade. But neither their success nor their bearing would have indicated this as a hindrance - ask those of us who knew Ed’s mom, Bessie (Bessie passed in 1992, at age 93)!

As a teen, Ed was greatly impressed by the events of WWII. At 13, he was the first in Chillicothe to win the Eisenhower award for wastepaper collection – he was a Tenderfoot Scout at Walnut Street Methodist Church in Chillicothe. He collected 1,489 pounds of waste paper in 2 weeks, gathering most of it in a pushcart and getting help from his Dad to truck it to a collection center. Ed’s big brother, Charles, was serving in the Pacific, where he was a corpsman on a hospital ship. When Charles returned, Clarence sent both Ed and Charles for a summer-long trip by car across the United States and up to the Northwest. Great wisdom to help both boys prepare for the next phase of their lives.

Ed attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV for the last few years of his high school education and as well as freshman college courses. Looking back, Ed has been so appreciative of how his Mom and Dad sacrificed financially to give him that opportunity for a better education and even send him later to Georgia Tech. Greenbrier Military School gave Ed great discipline as well as education. Although, to be fair, there are stories of dropping cherry bombs into toilets at GA Tech. Ed recalled working hard to avoid walking the beat at GMS (a punishment of walking the courtyard for infractions) and how the schoolmaster of the time believed that fresh air prevented disease and he required windows in every dorm room to be cracked open even in the dead of winter. Greenbrier College for Women (GWC) was across the street from Old Stone Presbyterian Church, where the cadets would march to worship Sunday nights. There is more to that story later! Ed recalled how they would march in their dress wool uniforms for church every Sunday evening and all file up into the balcony, sometimes frozen, sometimes steaming hot, sometimes soaking wet.

Ed went to GA Tech in 1951 and started classes there (in Atlanta, GA). One day, a good friend of his and former roommate from Greenbrier, Bill Trazzo, called Ed and said, of a young lady from Greenbrier College for Women, “Ed, you’ve got to meet this girl, you just have to meet this girl!” Bill and ‘this girl’ had become good friends while she was attending GWC. Ed came back to Greenbrier in 1953 to attend Bill’s graduation and there on the lawn at a ‘party house’ in Lewisburg, was Jackie Lou Newell. Ed came up to her, in all sincerity said, “I have been dying to meet you”, and began immediately to work on wooing her.

Ed began to write to Jackie and she wrote back, although she teased him often about his “line” when he first met her! They were married on June 14th, 1954 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Oak Hill WV, on a blazing hot day. Ed remembers that for both young lovers, it seemed like a very long ceremony, as they kneeled, with sweat dripping off their noses and chins. They thought they’d hidden their car successfully at a friend’s garage but some of Ed’s groomsmen from Ga Tech broke in the garage, removing a few boards. When Ed got in the car with his Bride Jackie and started it, it wouldn’t go anywhere… the boys had jacked it up on blocks about an inch off of the ground. By the time they got to Bluefield, the Roquefort cheese the boys had smeared on the engine block was very fragrant. The first night of their honeymoon was in Kingsport, TN.

Ed and Jackie lived in Decatur GA while Ed finished his Bachelors in Industrial Engineering and Jackie taught 1st grade at Forrest Park Elementary. The tiny apartment was great for newlyweds as one had to squeeze by another when going from one end of the kitchen to the next. Ants enjoyed the top of their wedding cake, which they’d thought they would save! Things apparently went well as Edward W. Gallaher Jr. was born May the 4th, 1955.

Ed Sr. finished his degree and joined the Army. For a bit, Ed and Jackie (and little Ed) lived in a tiny apartment at 2-Notch Road in Columbia, SC, while Ed did Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson. “Oh, those sand hills!” Then he was stationed for his first duty station as a 1 year hardship tour in Iceland. As a hardship, family travel and base housing are not an option. Upon arrival, Ed was picked out by a sergeant there to help him in the training center, which just happened to include a movie theater with the only CinemaScope lens on the entire island of Iceland and did films for entertainment as well as training. Near Christmas day, 1955 – Ed sent tickets and Jackie and little Ed flew on a DC3 to be with him in Iceland. Back then, the flight was non-pressurized with no Oxygen so they flew the entire way no higher than 10,000 feet. Jackie often said, “If he wasn’t there when I got there, I was not going to get off of that plane.” Well, Ed was there! He had earned enough for the tickets by selling popcorn and candy at the base concession/movie theater. The training area also had a shower, which was handy since Ed and Jackie (and little Ed) shared a single room in a house off base and shared a half-bath with 4 other tenants! So the shower at the ‘moomie’ house, as little Ed called it, was a blessing.

After a year in Iceland, Ed & Jackie returned to the Atlanta area (Brookline Drive) where Ed finished his second degree – a BS in Industrial Management – From Georgia Tech. Jackie answered an ad from a window downtown looking for a receptionist/typist – and she nailed the job, working for Otto the Orkin Man https://www.youtube.com/watch… (yes, the real, original Otto). There was a sign also for a garage apartment for rent in a florist’s shop. There they lived, blessed by the kindness of the owners of the shop. When Ed graduated in 1959, he got a job with Mead Paper Company and Jackie and he moved to Chillicothe OH, bought a house in the Chillicothe Manor and had Kathy Lynn Gallaher (Loyd) and Thomas A. (Tag) Gallaher in 1959 and 1960, respectively. While Ed was working for Mead, Jackie was teaching school (head start classes). The family stayed in that area for about 6 years, including their last year or two at a home on Graves Road, including a pond, a stable and an ornery pony named Dusty (a gift from the family doctor). This time included great visits with Ed’s first cousin, James Gallaher (Uncle Jimmy) and his wife, Posie. They had three kids roughly the same age as Ed & Jackie’s, so summer visits spent on their farm were lovely. The kids all have memories of playing in the pond with a (usually submerged) canoe. Uncle Jimmy would sometimes shout “Buddy Check” and each kid had to be paired up hand in hand with their swimming buddy before he’d count to five! Also in the manor, Ed & Jackie’s across-the-street neighbors, Nancy and Bill Bogan, had kids with ages similar to theirs, so a great friendship was born there as well. It should be noted that it was here that Ed & Jackie got their first of several Dalmatian dogs, named Chief. Chief and little Ed were close companions but Chief was also a bit of a rogue, sometimes creating brand new breeds of dogs, including the Dollies down the street (seemed a better name than Collations – a Collie/Dalmatian mix).

In 1967, Ed landed a job with Bergstrom Paper Company and the family moved up to Neenah, Wisconsin, staying there from 1967-1972. Here Ed and Jackie became good friends with Jean and Cecil Hess. Ed and Cecil worked together at Bergstrom and Jackie and Jean worked together with adults with severe mental and developmental challenges. Ed and Jackie remained friends with Jean and Cecil throughout their lives. Ed supported Jackie enthusiastically during this time as she finished her BS in English at the University of WI, Oshkosh (while raising 2 grade school children and one high school child!). Here, also, Ed & Jackie became ardent Green Bay Packers fans (and Jackie was one of their most vocal cheerers through the rest of her life)! Those were the days of Bart Star, Fuzzy Thurston, Ray Nitschke and other heroes of old.

Throughout the early years, Ed and Jackie always did family vacations – carrying their family across the US in various Dodge Station Wagons and even a pop-up camper for one memorable trip. In addition, frequent visits to see family in Oak Hill WV, and many a summer enjoying long warm days on Summersville Lake, WV, which Jackie & the kids dearly loved. Ed wasn’t a big fan of swimming but he would spend summer after summer on the water and would tow his kids skiing behind the boat for hours. When he was tired of towing, he would start going around in circles to make big waves and finally shake his kids off the line, a challenge that they loved!

During those early years, Ed always would save his per diem while he travelled on business, eating on the cheap, so that he’d have enough money when he returned to hire a baby-sitter and take his bride out for a date. And he reminded us about the importance of taking care of one’s love. Ed travelled a great deal with work and remembered when the O’hare Airport was just a few Quonset huts! He was also one of the first ‘million milers’ with Delta and would tell future generations with a gleam in his eye, “Back when I was flying all the time you actually had to fly a million miles to get that award!”

In 1972, Bergstrom tasked Ed with taking over management of a paper plant in West Carrollton (Dayton) OH, and the family moved briefly to West Carrollton and then to Oakwood, on the south end of Dayton, OH. Ed said that Bergstrom’s purchase of the plant was a terrible mistake as the plant’s machines were too large and fast to run on a high percentage of waste paper (recycled paper, which was Bergstrom’s niche). Bergstrom needed pulp, which Kimberly Clark had but Bergstrom didn’t! There were other challenges there including a wild-cat strike during his first year there.

Ed and Jackie became friends with William and Helen LeMay, who they met through the Oakwood United Methodist Church, where both families worshiped. In time, William enticed Ed to join him at Baxter Travenol and Ed learned the business of manufacturing Vinyl & Latex examination gloves (as well as the bodies for Stretch Armstrong!). By 1978, Ed and Jackie had put together a plan to start their own company called Phoenix Glove Company, pooling their life savings, building a business plan and, a few days before Tag headed off to his first year of college, they headed to South Carolina to start their company!

Ed was friends also with Arthur Parsons, a local banker in Andrews, SC, who became a mentor in finance and made many important introductions for Ed. He and his wife, ‘Becca, lived diagonal from Ed and Jackie and were good friends through the years. In Andrews, Ed and Jackie built their dream house and called it Rivendell. They became part of the heart and soul of the community in Andrews and of their local church, Trinity United Methodist. I know they were blessed by too many good friends to mention and I believe they blessed the community as well.

Ed and Jackie lived just under 4 decades in Andrews, from 1978 to 2016. They were very involved with the community and the company Ed started thrived, employing some 600 people at one point! More than a few folks have thanked “Mr. Ed” and “Ms. Jackie” for the opportunities that Phoenix offered and the great work ethic and habits that most employees developed in that environment. Jackie stayed involved with the local library and she and Ed both partnered with “Andrews Good ‘Ol Days”, and were key in convincing Chubby Checker to come to Andrews for many a year for this town-wide fund raiser for the library association.

During this time they lived a grand, joyous life!

They travelled broadly, including Asia, Australia and Europe, settling eventually into an annual trip to France where they would split their time between visiting good friends, the Binners and Cotins, in Ammerschwihr in the Alsace and spending time at Hotel Du Casino, at the west end of Omaha Beach in Normandy. Ed and Jackie tended to create lasting friendships wherever they went and these friendships often echoed throughout the family. In Hamburg Germany, they befriended Lucas & Uli Garabet who remained friends through the years and hosted son Tag and his wife, Jeannie, for a visit and dinner when they were in the country in 2015. Similarly, their relationship with the Binners has translated now into 3 generations, with various family members visiting the US and France and staying in touch frequently. And in Omaha Beach, where Ed and Jackie stayed every year for some 30 years, they became close friends of the proprietors of Hotel Du Casino, Mr. & Mrs. Clemencons, including their now grown Daughter, Julia and her husband. They also brought 3 additional generations of their own family to France and especially to Normandy – visiting battle sites, telling stories, walking the vast beach, attending retreat at the Military Cemetery at Colville Sur Mer and ensuring these generations, too, shall never forget.

Speaking of lasting friendships, Ed & Jackie’s friendship with Cecil & Jean Hess lasted well beyond the Wisconsin days and Bergstrom Paper. When Jean and Cecil moved to the then-rural east side of Atlanta and started a Christmas Tree Farm, Hess Tree Farm, Ed and Jackie were right there to help and started yet another family tradition. Large parts of the Gallaher family would come to the Hess Tree farm for Thanksgiving and help kick off the Christmas Tree selling season there. Amid much garland making, tree shaking, hay riding, tree wrapping and loading, wreath making and decorating, was an abundance of laughing, eating, drinking, storytelling and enjoying each other’s company!

Ed and Jackie also made it a point to spend time with their young granddaughters, even though they didn’t live nearby. Just like his professional investment in people, his financial investment in his company, his heartfelt investment of time and giving at Trinity UMC, his and Jackie’s intentional investment of time with their granddaughters was also a gift and also brought dividends of love. We have many pictures of Ed and Jackie with their granddaughters, playing in the playhouse or joggling on the joggling board.

With even more love to share, they had 2 Rotary International exchange students join their homes over 2 years, but those relationships also lasted even to now – Hugo Miura, from Brazil and Verona Meier from Germany. Hugo was very involved in the music program at Trinity and has been back to the US twice to visit Ed & Jackie (and the rest of us). Verona remembers Ed’s patience as he was teaching her how to drive in the US – and Ed remembered having to teach Verona a few alternative “choice words” for use in a small town in South Carolina! Verona and Hugo are both part of an ongoing, fun conversation with the entire Gallaher family.

Ed’s last decade was focused almost entirely on taking care of Jackie as he walked her home along that long, arduous path of Alzheimer’s disease. This included a move from Andrews back to Dayton, OH, in 2016 to be closer to family. Ed loved his wife more than anything else on this earth and taught us all a great deal about standing by your loved one. In her last days, he said to her “Jackie, I’ve been thinking about it and I just can’t think of anything that we wanted to do together and didn’t do.” And he was there holding her hand and sleeping by her side each night as the end drew near. Ed continued on this earthly plane for 3 years and a 3 months after Jackie died. He said “Well, it’s what Jackie would expect of me”. But his life was just not the same without her. In September 2021, he enjoyed a “Last Trip” to Hotel Du Casino in Normandy where he and Jackie had visited so often, this time with Kathy and Tag.

Ed fell in early June and spent nearly 2 weeks in Hospice in Dayton OH. Those 2 weeks gave time for family to spend time with him and say good-bye. Even in dying, Ed continued to teach us, living his life as an example. He taught us to be bold and unwavering in what matters the most. He taught us to have absolute faith. He had no fear of death – not even at the end – but wholly trusted the promise of eternal life through his faith in Jesus Christ.

For those of us left behind, we will miss him. Yet his life is something to remember and celebrate and we know that he’s where he really wanted to be – In heaven, dancing with Jackie and praising Jesus and the Father, filled with the Holy Spirit.

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John Bailey Hedrick

1964
 

John Bailey Hedrick
March 18, 1945 — June 19, 2022
Beckley, WV
John Bailey Hedrick, 77, of Beckley passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Bowers Hospice House on June 19, 2022. John was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 18, 1945, to the late Dr. John A. Hedrick and Natalie Bailey Hedrick.

John graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1963 where he was recognized as one of West Virginia’s All-State baseball pitchers. He then graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1964 and went on to attend Marshall University.

John began his career with Gates Engineering in Beckley, WV and later joined Fairchild Incorporated. Years later, he partnered with three outstanding men; Jack Phillips, Jim Phillips and Tom Cushman at Phillips Machine Service where he continued his career.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John A. Hedrick and Natalie Hedrick McKinney, his sister Connie Sue Concepcion and brother-in-law Dr. Roberto Concepcion. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Susan Buzzard Hedrick, his son John Christopher Hedrick (Leslie) and daughter Natalie Hedrick Fey (Jeff), his adoring grandchildren, Jack Bailey Hedrick, Caroline Elise Fey and Cameron Jeffrey Fey all of Charlotte, NC. His brother, James Robert Hedrick of Arvada, Colorado as well as many special nieces and nephews.

John was a generous, loving husband, father and grandfather. John was a true gentleman who never met a stranger. His kindness and respect for others was exemplified in how he treated people.

Services will be held at the Beckley Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am on June 29, 2022.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Parking will be permitted behind the church in the WVU Tech parking lot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Bowers Hospice House

454 Cranberry Drive

Beckley WV 25801 or charity of your choice.

https://www.calfeefuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-hedrick?fbclid=IwAR23UYcCZOfOgcD-eUp8sIJxctbhFODz5W-3KYcnKmYvywGwTH8G4C1uGlI

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Paul Dessauer

1965
 

Per Jim Arbogast, August 13, 2023:

Paul Louis Dessauer, Class of ’65, passed away 6/12/2022 in Denver, CO.
No other information available.

Michael David Amling

1969
 

Amling, Michael David

Michael David Amling, 71, of London, Ohio passed away on June 4, 2022.

He was born in Pana, IL on October 18, 1950 to Dr. Warren Eugene Amling and Barbara (McMillan) Amling. He grew up in London, OH and graduated from London High School in 1968. He went on to Greenbrier Military School and then attended Memphis State University. He was an Army veteran serving in the Army Intelligence Corps from 1971 to 1973. While in the Army, Mike obtained his private pilot's license. After the Army, Mike started his work career at Orleton Farms in Madison County OH and Circle S Ranch in Dillon, Montana. He then worked for Strawser Paving in Columbus until his retirement in 2016.

Mike was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, traveling with his family, cooking, and his dogs, especially, Ruby and Cooper.

Mike was predeceased by his father Warren and father-in-law Charles Hedges and is survived by his mother, Barbara; loving wife, Karen; daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah Amling; siblings, Tim (Dorothy) Amling, Babs (Scott LaVange) Amling and Pat (Kathy) Amling; nephew, Dorrian Amling; niece, Heidi Shiffer and her daughters, Camille and Claire as well as step-daughter, Kelly (Mike) Besco and their children, Nora and Rhys Besco. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Joan Hedges; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Hackett and Tami (Mike) Hughes.

Family and friends may visit from 4-7PM on Monday, June 13 at the Lynch Family Funeral Home at 124 East High St. in London with a memorial service on Tuesday, June 14 at 11AM at Trinity Episcopal Church at 10 East 4th St. in London with The Rev. Dr. George Glazier presiding. Inurnment of ashes will be at Kirkwood Cemetery in London. Memorials in Mike's memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church at 10 East 4th St., London, OH 43140. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Lynch Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 124 E. High St, London.

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Lt. General Winfield "Skip" Scott, Jr.

1945
 

Former Air Force Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott remembered for character and humility

Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott Jr., who led the Air Force Academy as the 10th superintendent from 1983 to 1987, was laid to rest Tuesday at the academy's cemetery.

He died in Colorado Springs on March 19 at age 94.

In an event that was mostly off-limits to the media, his ceremony included a formation of cadets, a firing party, a bugler sounding taps, a folding of the U.S. flag and a missing-man formation of four F-35 aircraft from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the academy said. An American flag was then presented to Scott's daughter, Kay, by the academy's superintendent, Lt. Gen. Richard Clark.

"I can't say enough about the character and humility of General Scott, a personal inspiration who directly impacted my life and career path. He was my superintendent, and when an injury put pilot training in doubt for me, he intervened to ensure that I could continue to follow my dream," Clark said in a statement. "That was the kind of person he was — a selfless leader who set an example I have tried to follow. He inspired so many and will be dearly missed."

Clark, the academy's first black superintendent, told The Gazette last year that Scott played a big role helping him get into pilot training despite having separated shoulders he suffered from playing football.

Scott flew F-51 Mustangs during the Korean War and piloted F-4s in more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War.

After learning Clark was selected for a pilot slot but medically denied, Scott invited him to his office, where he asked the soon-to-be second lieutenant to rotate each of his arms above his head.

"He said, 'Ya know Rich, I flew F-100s, I ejected out of an airplane and having a dislocated shoulder is the least of your worries. And if you can play football here and you can do what I just did (raise arms over head), that's about all you need to do to be able to reach up to a switch and pull your ejection handles. I'm gonna take this one up, and we're going to get you a pilot slot.'"

Born on Dec. 10, 1927, Scott graduated West Point in 1950, earned his pilot wings, served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and became the academy's 10th superintendent before retiring from active duty in 1987 after nearly four decades of military service.

"By all accounts, Gen. Scott is remembered as a highly engaged, hands-on leader. Militarily, he played a key role in expanding soaring opportunities, permitting more cadets to experience the thrill of flying," Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven A. Simon said in an article on usafa.org. "Academically, he oversaw the implementation of a program to furnish all cadets with personal computers, providing connections with the faculty through the local area network. A football player at West Point, he avidly supported Falcon athletics, attending countless events and practices."

In a statement, his sons, who served in the Air Force, said this about their dad:

"There was not another person we know more devoted to his faith, his family and our nation through the United States Air Force than our father. Not a morning or evening went by that he was not praying with mom, even after she passed away, for our family. In the last few days since he went to heaven to be with mom, we have learned more from his friends, of all ages, all over the nation expressing their gratitude for his faith, his leadership and how he never wavered from his values. He had an influence and impact that will be with us for a very long time, if not forever. We will miss him but we also know, because of our faith, we will meet again."

Also known as Skip, Scott is survived by six children and 16 grandchildren; many of them served with the academy.

His wife, Sally, died in 2015 and is also buried at the academy's cemetery.

(c)2022 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/obituaries/2022-03-30/former-air-force-academy-superintendent-winfield-scott-remembered-dies-5527194.html

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Michael M. Johnson

1965
 

Michael M. “Mickey” Johnson Michael M. “Mickey” Johnson, 74, of Rice, Virginia, and formerly of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, passed away on Feb. 25, 2022 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. Mickey was born in Washington DC to Charles A Johnson, and Evelyn Smider Johnson on Sept. 10, 1947. He Graduated from Greenbrier Military School, and Shepherd College in West Virginia, in 1969. He was the Corporate President of Shannondale, Inc for many years. Mickey was fortunate to touch so many lives with his over 35 years of involvement with Jefferson County Little League Baseball, and Midget League Basketball. He was a very active life member of Delta Sigma Pi, Business Fraternity, where he held many district, regional and national positions, and was an important part of the Charles Town Kiwanis Club, where he also held numerous local and state offices. Mickey also was very active in his community, volunteering for many years with the local United Way, Red Cross, and Old Opera House to name a few. Mickey is survived by his Wife, Frances Booth Johnson, Daughter Candy Johnson Rolle, Son Charles Johnson, 2 Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Grand Children. A graveside service will be held at Trinity Memorial Garden, in Rice, Virginia on Saturday, March 5 at 1 p.m.

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