In Remembrance

July 3, 2026

Mrs. Jacqueline Palmer Powell, 95, of South Boston, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Born February 1, 1931, in Halifax County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late John Williams Palmer and the late Carrie Ramsey Palmer. She was married for 62 years to the late Leslie W. Powell, Jr.

To know Jackie was to know grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was the true embodiment of a Southern lady whose life was marked by quiet strength, genuine hospitality, and a servant’s heart. While her many accomplishments reflected a life well lived, nothing was more important to Jackie than her faith and her family. She loved deeply, gave generously, and found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Her home was a place of warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jackie grew up attending Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church. After she and Les were married, the couple began attending First Baptist Church in 1955, where she remained a devoted and faithful member for the rest of her life. Mrs. Powell served her church in numerous capacities over the years. She was among the first women to serve as a deacon, taught Sunday School for many years, and was instrumental in establishing the First Baptist Preschool, helping create a lasting ministry that continues to serve young children and their families today.

Mrs. Powell possessed a remarkable gift for floral design and gardening. She found great joy in cultivating beauty and sharing it with others through her flower arrangements and gardens. She was an active member of the South Boston Garden Club and a devoted volunteer with the South Boston–Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History, where she generously gave of her time in preserving and celebrating the history of the community she dearly loved. An avid golfer, she remained active on the course well into her eighties. She was also an accomplished bridge player who enjoyed the fellowship of numerous local ladies’ bridge clubs and continued playing well into her nineties.

Dedicated to service beyond her church and family, Mrs. Powell was a proud member of the Berryman Green Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she faithfully served as Regent. She valued history, community, and preserving the legacy of those who came before her.

She is survived by her three children, Leslie W. Powell III and wife, Paige, of South Boston, Emily Ann Powell of South Boston, and Robert Palmer Powell and wife, Suzie, of South Boston; four grandchildren, Kelly G. Payne and husband, Daniel, of Paces; Leslie W. Powell IV and wife, Candice, of South Boston, Raleigh W. Powell of South Boston, and Holt Powell and wife, Rachel, of South Boston, six great-grandchildren, Ivy Palmer Powell, Jacqueline Paige Powell, Aidan O’Kelly, Luke O’Kelly, Noah M. O’Kelly, and Emma Blalock; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jackie was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Muriel P. Tune and Betty P. Perry.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Powell Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Bill Boelte and Rev. Thad Decker officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

For memorials, please consider First Baptist Church of South Boston (815 North Main Street South Boston, VA 24592) or South Boston – Halifax County Museum (P.O. Box 383 South Boston, VA 24592)

Jackie’s legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The Powell family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support shown during this time of loss. Arrangements are lovingly entrusted to her family at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.

Jacqueline Palmer Powell Obituary Jul 3, 2026 - Powell Funeral Home

Jacqueline Palmer Powell is the mother of VFDA Member Les Powell, III.

July 1, 2026

Lisa Lemaster, 56, most affectionately known as mom and Nana, returned to the arms of her Savior on July 1, 2026, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family after courageously facing a five-year illness with perseverance and extraordinary strength. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering authenticity. While our hearts are broken, we can only imagine Heaven bracing itself for one incredibly opinionated, unforgettable woman.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Lisa traded city life for the rolling hills of Tennessee 20 years ago, where she found peace on the farm she shared with her husband, Robert. She loved the outdoors, specifically the beach and tending to her vegetable garden. Lisa was a true free spirit who cherished the simple moments that made life beautiful. Those who knew her were aware there was never any guessing where she stood. She was as authentic as they come. If she loved you, you knew it. If she disagreed with you ... well, you definitely knew that too. She never pretended to be anyone but herself, and somehow that honesty made people love her even more. She was compassionate, forgiving, stubborn, rambunctious, fiercely loyal, and could be stern when she needed to be. She had a laugh that filled a room, a personality that couldn't be ignored, and a knack for turning an ordinary gathering into a party.

She faced her physical adversity with remarkable grace, inspiring those around her every step of the way. She met each challenge with determination, grit, and more strength than anyone should ever have to find. Even on the hardest days, she remained unmistakably Lisa.

Despite her human frailty, she maintained grounded optimism with everyone, and that's exactly what made her so special. Above everything else, Lisa's greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply, protected fiercely, forgave freely, and never missed an opportunity to tell the people she loved exactly what she thought. Her husband, children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she loved them with every piece of her heart. Her final wish was to be home and be with all her grandchildren and that dream was fulfilled thus creating a true atmosphere of love and peace during her final days.

Lisa leaves behind to cherish her memory, the love her life and devoted husband of 36 years, Robert Lemaster, Sr.; her children, Krystina Diman (Joseph), Robert Lemaster, Jr. (Breanna), and Michael Lemaster (Jordyn); her beloved grandchildren, Joseph Jr., Johnathan, Christian, Colton, Haley, and Rilynn; her brothers, Donald King and Robert Lambert, Jr.; and many other loving family members and friends.

Lisa has entered into eternal life and was reunited with her parents, Robert Sr. and Angela Lambert, and after 32 long years is holding her precious daughter, Amanda Elizabeth.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lisa's life during visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Hermitage Funeral Home, 535 Shute Ln, Old Hickory, TN 37138. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the funeral home.

Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Lisa lived life on her own terms-with courage, laughter, and an abundance of love. Her spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons she taught us, and the family she loved so fiercely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Lisa taught us that life is too short to worry about what everyone else thinks. Speak your mind. Love others unconditionally. Dance and sing loudly when your favorite song comes on. Laugh out loud. Forgive often and never apologize for being exactly who God created you to be.

We'll miss her laugh, her honesty, her stubborn streak, her hugs, and even the unsolicited advice she gave so freely. The world is a little quieter without her, but Heaven just got a whole lot livelier.

We love you, Mom. Always have. Always will.

Lisa Lemaster is the mother of VFDA Past President and Board Member Krystina Diman. 

June 24, 2026

David Lee Arritt, Sr., 79, of Covington, died Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at his residence.

He was born March 13, 1947 in Washington D.C., a son of the late Albert B. Arritt, Sr. and Elizabeth Jean Ryder Arritt.

David graduated from Covington High School in 1965 and from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1969. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Hafford Lee “Doc” Arritt, Sr., he joined the family business and dedicated his career to Arritt Funeral Home. A passionate advocate for his profession, he served as President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association, as a board member of the International Order of the Golden Rule, and was twice named VFDA Funeral Director of the Year. In 2019, he was honored with the “Golden License” for 50 years of dedicated service as a licensed funeral director. He also earned the professional designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP).

Active in his community, David served as President of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime member of Covington Lodge #171 AF & AM and the Clifton Forge Shrine Club. He generously gave his time helping organize the Covington Christmas Parade for many years and was instrumental in establishing local car shows, including CarFest and the Douthat Lake Run Car Show.

Above all, David was a loving and devoted family man who cherished his role as husband, father, and PawPaw.

Survivors include his wife of more than 40 years, Betsy Baker Arritt; his daughter, Beth Arritt of Springfield; five sons, David Arritt, Jr (Dagney Wills), Barry Fridley; Mark Fridley (Tara Myers), Wesley Arritt (Mandy), and Jonathan Arritt (Mandy), all of Covington; twelve grandchildren, B.J. Fridley (Jamie), Kari Goodwin (Jordan), Jake Fridley, Kyle Arritt, Hunter Fridley, Anna Grace Arritt, Abbie Fridley, Lewis Fridley, Landon Arritt, Eva Arritt, Maddi Wheeler (Jace), and Reese Myers; six great-grandchildren, Allison, Briana, K.J., Sam, Nathan, and Oaklynn; his brother, Albert B. "Chipper" Arritt, Jr. (Linda) of Covington; one aunt, Carlene Gibson of Covington; one uncle, Hal Sharp (Ruby) of Covington; two nephews, Josh Arritt and Eric Thompson; two nieces, Emily Arritt and Beth Thompson Wood; several cousins, great-nieces, and nephews; and a host of colleagues and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating.  Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive their friends on Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be B.J. Fridley, Jake Fridley, Kyle Arritt, Hunter Fridley, Landon Arritt, Josh Arritt, and Ray Keen, Jr.

The family asks that memorial contributions in David's name be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or online at:  https://www.stjude.org/give.html

https://www.arrittfuneralhome.com/obituary/15b33043-04f6-4ae9-a6c2-119664b98412

David Lee Arritt, Sr. was a VFDA member. A passionate advocate for his profession, he served as President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was twice named VFDA Funeral Director of the Year. In 2019, he was honored with the “Golden License” for 50 years of dedicated service as a licensed funeral director. 

June 16, 2026

Robert Lee “Bobby Lee” Johnson, 88, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he valiantly fought for seven years.

Bobby Lee was born February 21, 1938, at Camp Ground Farm, Green Springs in Louisa County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leighton “Doc” Johnson and Ida Louise Ennis Johnson; his wife, Phyllis Waugh Johnson; his daughter, Karen Johnson Weaver; and his grandson, Austin Scott Carpenter.

He is survived by his daughter, Paige Johnson Carpenter and son-in-law James Scott Carpenter; his son-in-law, James David Weaver; his beloved grandchildren, Brad Weaver, Hunter Weaver and Kathryn Schmitz, Claire Carpenter, and Collin Carpenter; and a great-grandson Riley Sadler, whom he adored; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bobby Lee was a graduate of Louisa County High School and John Tyler Community College School of Mortuary Science.

Bobby Lee worked at Farm Bureau Insurance before his career as a funeral director at Woodward Funeral Home. After close to forty years of serving families at Woodward Funeral Home, he retired – only to return to work a few years later at Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville. He retired in 2020 at the age of 82 with 52 years of total service as a funeral director – one of the oldest funeral directors at retirement.

He was known to be kind, compassionate, and understanding, while helping families at Woodward and Preddy Funeral Homes through the most difficult times.

Bobby Lee also served his community by serving on the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. He represented the Green Springs district for fourteen years. During his time on the Board of Supervisors, he held the position of Chairman for five years and Vice Chairman for three years.

He was a past member, as well as a past president, of the Louisa County Lions Club. He was awarded Lion of the Year award while serving as a member. He was also a member and past director of the Virginia Hereford Association, and a former member and deacon of Louisa Baptist Church and Gordonsville Baptist Church.

One of Bobby Lee’s favorite places was his homeplace of Camp Ground Farm. It was there he learned the importance of family, a good work ethic, and love of the land. He loved all animals but enjoyed his time in the fields on his farm with his cattle the most.

Bobbly Lee loved cattle sales, gospel music, and telling a good story to entertain family and friends. He loved to make people laugh! He loved baseball; especially the Atlanta Braves. He also loved UVA and Washington Redskins football.

Bobby Lee, affectionately known as Papa to his grandchildren, was a fan of anything they participated in. From golf to baseball, football to musical theater, he was there to cheer them on. His grandchildren were his greatest treasures. Papa always left them with telling them to call him if they needed anything – and he meant it. He adored them as they did him.

He will forever be missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Magnolia of Orange, the Hospice of the Piedmont, Hannah Colvin, Pat Thomasson, Annette Jackson, and Liz Albrecht for all the love and care given to Papa during the last year.

Family night will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Preddy Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont or Louisa County Rescue Squad.

Bobby Lee Johnson was a funeral director with 52 years of service to Woodward and Preddy Funeral Homes; he was one of the oldest funeral directors upon his retirement. 

May 5, 2026

Lawrence Warren “B. W.” Holt, Jr., 82, of Nathalie, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was the husband of Nancy Jennings Holt. Born in Halifax County on August 6, 1943, B. W. was the son of the late Lawrence Warren Holt, Sr. and the late Dorothy Kvasnicka Holt. He was a lifetime member of Childrey Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army. B.W. retired from Dan River of Brookneal and worked for Henderson Funeral Home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their son, Jerry W. Holt (Laura) of Gladys; grandchildren, Jon Marc Holt of Lynchburg, Sara Katherine Holt of Charlottsville; two brothers, Lenard Bertram “Bert” Holt (Joan) of Clemmons, N.C. and Rudd Holt (Estell) of Lynchburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Crews. A funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Jerry Stanfield on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Childrey Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel on Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and at other times at the home. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal is assisting the family.

https://hendersonfuneral.net/obituaries/lawrence-warren-/799/

B.W. Holt worked for VFDA member Henderson Funeral Home.

May 3, 2026

Robert Gray (R.G.) Wiglesworth, Sr. 90, of N. Chesterfield, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Born February 28, 1936, in Richmond, Virginia, he was the youngest son of the late Welford Wiglesworth, Sr. and Margaret Lowman Wiglesworth. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Thruston Wiglesworth, sisters, Doris Wiglesworth Ferguson and Joyce Wiglesworth Lett, and his brother, Welford (Burt) Wiglesworth, Jr.

R.G. is survived by his five children, Robert (Cathy), Brian (Deborah), Janet (John), Jimmy (Mari), and Greg (Margaret). Additionally, R.G.’s legacy continues through his ten grandchildren, Brandon (Stephanie), Katie (Tyler), Stephen (Caitlin), Virginia (Travis), Mari-Ashley (Jeremy), Matthew, Briannah (Hunter), Danielle (Billy), Kaylah (Tim), and Summer and his seven great-grandchildren: Piper, Emmitt, Beckitt, Averitt, Addison, Savannah, and Braxton. He also leaves many nieces and nephews to remember him fondly.

R.G. graduated from Manchester High School in 1955 and began following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps serving funeral directors for 46 years providing caskets through H.C. Simms Casket Company, Rockwell, & Spencer Casket Company most recently. He also represented Bass-Mollett Publishers for 30 years providing funeral stationery and related products to those same directors.

He loved his cars. And, it was a good thing. He drove for miles and miles to visit the many funeral homes throughout Virginia. He was well known and well respected among the Funeral Directors and staff that he visited, making many friends throughout his travels and business relationships.

He was a huge fan of men’s college basketball and especially “March Madness.” You could always find him rooting for an ACC team especially UVA. He especially cherished the close games where the winner was determined in the last seconds! He was equally supportive of his athletic and talented grandchildren – and great grandchildren.

Dad/Grandpa/Poppie/Uncle “G” loved his family – especially the little ones. Whenever he was with the children, there was a twinkle in his eye. He loved to play and tease, keeping them all giggling to everyone’s delight. He was happy when the whole crew gathered for holidays and birthdays – but would NOT participate in Carol’s “silly games.” We will all remember his big smile at his BIG 90th birthday party in February, where he was the man of the hour!

He was well-known in his Braxton neighborhood. Up until a few months ago, he would walk throughout the neighborhood, greeting everyone he saw and returning his neighbors’ trash cans to their proper place once they were emptied.

R.G. and Carol were pillars of the community and (in the words of their youngest granddaughter) “the glue that held our family together.”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road, Richmond, VA 23234. Private interment to be held at Dale Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the name of R.G. Wiglesworth, Sr. to Samaritan’s Purse Ministry.

https://www.morrissett.com/obituaries/robert-r-g-wiglesworth/

R.G. Wigglesworth was the father of Brian Wigglesworth, who works for VFSA Member Messenger.

April 19, 2026

Ronald Earl Wagner, 78, of Amherst, VA. passed away at home on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was the husband of Carla Saler Wagner.

Born in St. Louis, MO. on October 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Earl Wilson Wagner and the late Wilma Young Wagner. Ron was the owner and Funeral Director of Henderson Funeral Home and was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. In addition to his wife, Ron was survived by two sons, Nathan Ronald Wagner (April) of Gladys and Cole Gray Wagner of Lynchburg; two stepsons, Keith R. Uhl (Roxanne) of Amherst, Gary S. Uhl (Yvonne) of Boerne, TX.; three grandchildren, Kristen M. Wagner, Taylor R. Wagner, Justin W. Wagner; five step-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry N. Wagner (Sharon) of Temple, TX.; one sister, Carol W. Moreno (Gene) of Tucson, AZ. Ron was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara L. Wagner. A funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Mathew Heckman on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Amelon United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Amherst Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will have visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial Contributions may be made Amelon United Methodist Church, 220 Amelon Expressway, Madison Heights, Va. 24572.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal is assisting the family.

Remembering Ronald Earl Wagner | Obituaries – Henderson Funeral Home

Ron was the owner and Funeral Director of Henderson Funeral Home.

March 19, 2026

Kenneth H. McCoy, age 73, of McCoy, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026. He was born in Christiansburg, VA, on December 2, 1952, to the late I. Harold and Eva Perdue McCoy. He was preceded in death by his sister, Verna Mae Hall.

He was a 1971 graduate of Blacksburg High School. He worked his way up as a 14-year-old high school kid at Hoy Funeral Home in 1966. In 1974, Kenneth answered his calling and became a Funeral Service Licensee. He continued until becoming the owner of McCoy Funeral Home in 1996 and retiring in 2017. He earned the Golden License in funeral service in 2024 from the Commonwealth of Virginia for 50 years as a licensee.

Kenneth grew up in McCoy on the river as a child, where he learned to hunt and fish. He became a big-game hunter, having traveled to Durango, Colorado, to elk hunt, where he fell in love with traveling out west. He also enjoyed family history, genealogy, visiting state fairs, collecting old funeral memorabilia, and license plate toppers.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vanessa M. McCoy; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Barbara Perdue; uncle, Larry McCoy; mother-in-law, June L. McCoy, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leon and Betsy McCoy; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Mark Matusevich, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the McCoy Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to McCoy Family Cemetery, c/o Leon McCoy, 2010 Seymour Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

https://www.mccoyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kenneth-mccoy-10/#!/Obituary

Kenneth McCoy served as a funeral director for more than 50 years.  His nephew C. Ross Blount currently serves as the McCoy Funeral Home funeral director.

March 13, 2026

Thelma was born November 22, 1939, in Blue Grass, Va to the late Cornelius McKinley and Mildred Warner Colaw.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne Foster Baker, brothers Gerald, Owen, Cornelius Jr., Warner, William, sisters Anna, and Cornelia.

Thelma is survived by her son Stephen, daughter Susan (Mike), brothers Conley, John, Jake, James, sisters Beverley, Lois, Darlene, grandson Garnett (Laura), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thelma’s favorite saying that will always be remembered is “IT IS WHAT IT IS”.

Thelma could be found from 1970 to 2002 at Gayheart Drug Store working as a server, then after Gayhearts closed she was a server at Country Cookin in Culpeper where she stayed until 2018 and ultimately retiring in 2018, Thelma loved to create Afghan’s where she would make them and then give them away to family and friends, she also loved to watch and order off QVC.

There will be a visitation for Thelma on Thursday March 19, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church,  601 Madison Road, Culpeper, VA, 22701, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Brad Hales and Andre Crummett officiating. On Friday March 20, 2026, at 12: 00 p.m., there will be a Graveside Service at Hudson Crossroads Community Cemetery 2711 Crooked Run Road, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Thelma’s name to the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department where she would help at bingo and attend many of their banquets with her son Stephen where he is a lifetime member, the address is 151-153 West Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701.

Mrs. Baker is Stephen Baker's mother. Stephen is an intern and crematory manager at Teague Funeral Services in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

March 13, 2026

Donald Lee “Donnie” Howdyshell, 86, of Churchville, died on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

He was born on February 28, 1940, in Clover Hill, the son of Eugene Carlton and Evelyn Virginia (Lambert) Howdyshell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother and sister, as well as two special cousins, Dee E. Floyd and Patsy F. Stafford.

Donnie attended Clover Hill School and later graduated from Turner Ashby High School. Following graduation, “Howdy” began working at DuPont in Waynesboro, where he dedicated 33 years of service before retiring in 1992.

He enjoyed staying active and had a lifelong love of baseball. In his younger years, he played third base for Clover Hill in the Rockingham County Baseball League. Donnie also found great joy in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, tending his large garden, and feeding the deer and birds around his home.

In the 1980s, his interest in firearms led him to complete a correspondence course to become a licensed gunsmith. He owned and operated The Gun Shack in Verona until retiring again in 2003.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nancy G. (Drumheller) Howdyshell; a daughter, Teresa A. Howdyshell of Staunton; two sons, Dustin L. Howdyshell and his wife, Marleen, of Verona, and Bradley N. Howdyshell and his wife, Yvonne, of Staunton; three grandchildren, Joshua D. Howdyshell (Stephanie) of Colorado, Jessa L. Howdyshell of Churchville, and Jaylen A. Brown (Kayla) of Staunton; one great-grandson, Kenzo J. Brown of Staunton; three sisters, Lois Driver, Carolyn Aderholz, and Sandy Tusing; a number of nieces and nephews; and a longtime friend, Charlie Sheffer of Staunton.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Shenandoah Baptist Church in Verona, with Pastor Heath Spivey officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the home of Bradley and Yvonne, 1417 N. Augusta St., Staunton.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Shenandoah Hospice House for the compassionate care shown to Donnie and his family.

Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mr. Howdyshell is the father of Bradley Howdyshell, Owner, Thacker Brothers Funeral Homes.