Obituaries for week of Dec. 23 from Richlands News Press and Clinch Valley News (2024)

Jack E. Clifton

Mr. Jack E. Clifton, age 82, of Cedar Bluff, VA, passed away Wed., Dec. 16, 2009 in a Richlands, VA, hospital.

He was born in Whitewood, VA, and was the son of the late Walter and Flossie Ratliff Clifton.

He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a farrier his entire life. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Bernice Clifton Mullins, Grace Garlin Whitt, and Zelma Gregg; and one brother, Norman Clifton.

Survivors are: one son: Jed Clifton of Lebanon, TN; four sisters: Exie Carey of Akron, OH, Edith Cantrell and husband, Calvin, of Cedar Bluff, VA, Jean Malone of Richmond, VA, Bennie Stanford of Butte, MT; one brother: Roger Long of Richmond, VA.

There will always be a special place in the hearts of Josie Perkins, Criss, Melanie, and Candice Yates who were special and precious friends to Jack. Jack knew them all for many years and became like family to them. He shared their homes and his life with them on many occasions as his own family.

Memorial services will be conducted at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA, is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Dennis B. Grindstaff

Dennis B. Grindstaff, age 58 of Bishop, VA, died Sat., Dec. 19, 2009 at his home. Born June 30, 1951 at Bluefield, WV, he was a son of the late Clemon Basil Grindstaff and Betty Frances Kern Grindstaff. He was a 1969 graduate of Tazewell High School and a graduate of Bluefield College. During his teaching career he taught at Tazewell Middle School and Tazewell High School as well as Big Creek and Bland Schools. He had served as Athletic Director at Big Creek High School and at Bland. Over the years of his teaching career he also served as coach for wrestling, football, and baseball. He was an avid fisherman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Lynn Grindstaff.

Survivors include his daughter, Carrie Denise Harwood and husband, Cary, of Blacksburg, VA; three brothers, Charles Grindstaff and wife, Suzanne, of Tazewell, VA, Phil Grindstaff of Bishop, VA, and Todd Grindstaff and wife, Cathy, of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Mary Anne Grindstaff of Raleigh, NC; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend, his dog Scamper.

The family received friends at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tues., Dec. 22, 2009.

Honorary pallbearers are Bill Heflin, Harris Hart, III, Danny Motley, Roger Deel, Greg Basham, William “Birdeye” Strong, Bobby Linkous, and the Bland County Football Team and Coaches.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to Bland County Football, C/O Rocky Gap High School, P.O. Box 9, Rocky Gap, VA 24366.

Bertha L. Hall

Bertha L. Hall, age 93 of Bishop, VA, more recently of Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell, VA, passed away peacefully Fri. morning, Dec. 18, 2009 with her family by her side. Born Feb. 7, 1916 in Tazewell County, VA, she was a daughter of the late Jesse M. Lester and Carrie E. Lester. She was of the Church of God Faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Hall, Sr. and one son, Dewey Lee Hall. Mrs. Hall was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Survivors include one son, Luther Hall, Jr. and wife, Ruth, of Ocala, FL; two daughters, Phyllis Reynolds and husband, Michael of Gratton, VA, and Ollie Willis and husband, Burley, of Bishop, VA; special grandson, Kenny Hall of The Maples in Bluefield, WV; one brother, George Lester and wife, Rosa, of Cedar Bluff, VA; seven additional grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friend and roommate, June Christian.

Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 p.m. Sun., Dec. 20, 2009 at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, VA, with the Rev. Avery Lynch officiating. Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA. Grandsons: Ray Willis, Danny Willis, Mike Reynolds, Ryan Green, Michael Hall, and R.J. Lester served as pallbearers.

The family received friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Sunday.

Dennis Ray Hamm

Dennis Ray Hamm, age 78, of Pounding Mill, VA, passed away Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 in Cedar Bluff, VA, following a long battle with cancer. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Singleton Funeral Service at Cedar Bluff, VA.

Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Hamm family.

Helen Clark O’Keeffe

Helen Clark O’Keeffe, age 87, life-long resident of Pine Street in Tazewell, VA, passed away Sat., Dec. 19, 2009, following a brief illness. Miss O’Keeffe was born Sept. 8, 1922 at Tazewell, VA, to Harriet Fudge O’Keeffe and John Graham O’Keeffe. She retired from Jeffersonville Hospital and volunteered with the Tazewell Community Hospital Auxiliary for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James Fudge O’Keeffe and John Jeter O’Keeffe, and sister, Martha O’Keeffe Rodman.

Survivors include three nieces, Martha Blount Simpson and husband, Golden Simpson, Kathy O’Keeffe, and Helen O’Keeffe Rodman Galligan and husband, Brian; nephew, John O’Keeffe and wife, Chantal O’Keeffe; great-nieces, Elizabeth Davenport and husband, Grant, Helen Suzanne Koonce and husband, John, Cammedwige Knight, Chantal Vaiden O’Keeffe, and Hunter Valentine Galligan; great-nephews, William Simpson and wife, Susan, John Jeter “Jete” O’Keeffe III, and Casey O’Keeffe Galligan; great-great nephews, William Grant Davenport and McCoy Blount Davenport; great-great nieces, Jade Lee Simpson and Helen O’Keeffe Koonce; her dear friends and neighbors, Cissy and Ed Killen; as well as her four legged companion of many years, Molly.

Funeral services were conducted Tues., Dec. 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church in Tazewell, VA with the Rev. Kathie R. Wilson-Parker officiating. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell, VA. Pallbearers were John O’Keeffe, Casey O’Keeffe Galligan, Brian Galligan, Jete O’Keeffe, William Simpson, John Koonce, and Ed Killen.

The family received friends at the home of Miss O’Keeffe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Historic Crab Orchard Museum, 3663 Crab Orchard Rd., Tazewell, VA 24651, or Tazewell County Humane Society, P.O. Box 281, Tazewell, VA 24651, or Main Street United Methodist Church, 315 East Main St. Tazewell, VA 24651.

Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell, VA is serving the O’Keeffe family.

Shirley Ann Pyles

Mrs. Shirley Ann Pyles, age 67, of 409 South Center St., Richlands, VA, died Mon., Dec. 14, 2009 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was greeted at the pearly gates by her son, Troy Allen Monk, where they will rejoice forevermore.

She was born in Russell County, VA, and was a daughter of the late Nathan and Flora Honaker Cox, both Russell County natives. She was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area, was a 1960 Richlands High School Graduate, and a 30 year retired employee with the Tazewell County School Board.

In addition to her parents and son, she was preceded in death by one sister, June Lowery, and nephews, Doug Lowery and Bill Street.

Survivors are: her husband, Mr. Harold J. “Gomer” Pyles; one daughter, Vicki Monk of Pounding Mill, VA; one son, Roy Monk and wife, Chrissy, of Tazewell, VA; one step-daughter, Cathy Collins of Pounding Mill, VA, whom she helped raise; one step-son, Eddie Pyles of Wardell, VA; one daughter-in-law, Leana Monk Nichols of Richlands, VA; two sisters: Mrs. Virginia Street of Richlands, VA, Mrs. Darlene Case and husband, Don, of Wardell, VA; grandchildren: Mark Horn, Chelsey Hill, and Nathan Monk; step-grandchildren: Lindsie Collins, James Collins, Jr., Robert Lawson, and Matthew Lawson; great granddaughter, Justice Hill; nieces, Ginger Mullins and husband, Gordon, Carol Ann “Sissy” Gilbert and husband, Haze; nephew, Bob Street and wife, Betty; special aunt, Waldean Ball; and a host of family and friends. Special thanks to Tammy Spencer and Total Home Care Hospice of Richlands, VA.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Pyles were conducted Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. James Salyers, Rev. Barry Absher, and Rev. Grady McGlothlin officiating. Interment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers were: Howie VanDyke, Daniel Keene, Mark Anthony Horn, Kenny Lester, Brandon Dolin, Monroe Pruitt, Haze Gilbert, and Gordon Mullins. Honorary pallbearers: Dr. Madhvan Pillai, Total Home Care Hospice Employees, and Tammy Spencer. Friends called at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m. Wed.

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA, was in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy on line may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Clarence D. Short

SHORT, Clarence D. On Dec. 10, 2009, CLARENCE D. SHORT, born in Ieager, WV, and raised in Short Gap, VA; served in the Army as a member of Merrill's Marauders as a technician 5th grade Company G, 7th Infantry.

He's the loving father of, Darrell Ronald Short and his wife Dana, Clarence David Short, Jr., and his wife Nancy, Jonathan Eugene Short and his wife Allyson, Mary Sue Short Lambert and her husband Howard, Robin Renee Richey and Crystal Martinez and her husband Emelio.

One son that has died Micheal Wayne Short and wife Diane Short. One Grandson David "BO' Lambert KIA 2007 and one grand-daughter Michelle Lambert Wheeler.

Beloved brother of Ted Hershel Short and his wife Martha, Lacey Edwin Short, Lloyd Ralph Short and his wife Shirley, Ira Eugene Short and his wife Nina, Nell Irene McNulty and her husband Dan, Ruth Francis Justice and the late Luther Short and Earl J. Short and his surviving wife Jenny.

Very dear friend of Ray F. Mitchell of Picayne, MS, and George Patrick of Richlands,VA. Both of the Merrills Marauders of World War II.

Also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Funeral services were held Wed., Dec. 16, 2009 at the Bruzdzinski Funeral Home, P.A., 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex at Route 702. Interment was held at the Holly Hill Memorial Gardens.

Obituary information submitted by the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA.

Derek Evan Slone

Mr. Derek Evan Slone, age 23, of Mount Airy, died Fri., Dec. 11, 2009 in New York. He was born Aug. 30, 1986 in Richlands, VA, to his mother Tina Shelley and father Phillip Slone. He was a steel worker for Performance steel. He is survived by his mother and step-father: Tina and Jim Shelley, Myrtle Beach, SC; father: Phillip Rodney Slone, Inman, SC; sister: Kristen Slone, Mount Airy, NC; brother and sister-in-law: Scott Slone and wife, Cala, Richlands, VA; maternal grandparents: Jerry and Gudrun Welch, Richlands, VA; paternal grandmother: Ginger Mustard, Thompson Valley, VA; maternal great-grandmother: Ann Welch, Doran, VA; aunt: Kim and husband, John Grice, Pilot Mountain, NC; uncles: Brian and wife, Charlene Welch, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Dwayne Welch, Richlands, VA; and many cousins, friends and loved ones. Mr. Slone was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Maria Baier; great-grandfather, Arthur K. Welch; and great aunt, Shelby Cordill. Funeral services were held on Wed., Dec. 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Howell Funeral Chapel of Mount Airy conducted by Rev. Timothy Byerly, Jim Littleton and Scarlett Dowdy. Entombment followed in Greenhills Memorial Garden, 11800 Gov. G.C. Perry Highway, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609. (app. arrival time 3:00 p.m.) The family received friends on Tues., Dec. 15, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at Howell Funeral Service of Mount Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.howellfuneralservices.com. Obituary submitted by Hurst-Scott Funeral Home.

Viola Pauline Stevens

Viola Pauline Stevens, age 82, of the Thompson Valley community in Tazewell, VA, died Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 at Tazewell Community Hospital. Born March 20, 2009 in Thompson Valley, VA, she was a daughter of the late Roland W. and Sadie Rasnake Kiser. She was a member of the Thompson Valley Church of God and former member of the Honaker Church of God. Mrs. Stevens loved writing poetry and fishing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Stevens; three brothers, Howard Kiser, Raymond Kiser, and Brady Kiser; three sisters, Lucy Buchanan, Leafy Meredith, and Gertrude Shepard.

Survivors include her stepchildren, Gertrude Barton, Phyllis Duncan, Audrey Miller, Conner Stevens, Chalmer Stevens, Jimmie Stevens, Lonnie Stevens, and Ted Stevens; brother-in-law, Carl Shepard of Thompson Valley, VA; and sisters-in-law, Virginia Kiser of Tazewell, VA, and Louise Kiser of Salem, VA; many nieces and nephews who loved her like a mother; the special children she baby sat, Joanne Davis McMahon of Canada and Eddie Davis of Fairfax, VA.

Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Mon., Dec. 21, 2009 at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, VA, with the Rev. Kelvin Seabolt and the Rev. Larry Brooks officiating. Burial followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers were Stevie Kiser, Jerry Buchanan, Carter Kiser, Garland Kiser, Ben Kiser, Jack Horne, Larry Poskas, Ralph Hilt, Dennis Patterson, and Ray Cooper.

The family received friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Sun., Dec. 20, 2009.

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Thompson Valley Church of God, C/O Kelvin Seabolt, 200 Talon St. Tazewell, VA 24651.

Howard R. Wells

Howard R. Wells, age 75, of Richlands, VA, passed away Sat., Dec. 19, 2009 at his home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff, VA.

Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Wells Family.