In Remembrance

April 27, 2025

Linda Kay (Freeland) Clarke age 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Murrells Inlet, SC on Sunday, April 27, 2025 to be with her Lord and Savior.

Kay was born in Charleston, WV on March 4, 1938 to the late Denzel Dale and Virginia Marie (Graham) Freeland. Kay graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School and attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music as a voice major. Due to illness she came home to heal and enrolled at Morris Harvey College (now The University of Charleston), where she met and fell in love with her husband, Keith, of nearly 65 years. After his graduation, they were married on his birthday and left for Seminary at Emory University in Atlanta. Kay’s love for singing and choral music led her to serve as music director and/or organist at a number of churches over the years. She was former president of the Charleston (WV) Women’s Club and former president of the West Virginia United Methodist Conference Minister’s Wives’ Fellowship.

Kay’s passions in life were her family, music, and her church. She was a model servant of Jesus Christ, loving and inspiring all she encountered, never having spoken unkindly about anyone. In the last 20 years, Kay was a faithful member of Belin United Methodist Church where she was an active member of the choir and served as a certified Stephen Minister. She welcomed her role as a stay-at-home mother to her three children, and loved the time spent with her three grandchildren and her great-granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter in law; Kelley Jo Harrison Clarke, a sister; Jane Freeland Fischer and a brother; D. Dale Freeland, Jr.

Surviving are her husband of nearly 65 years, Rev. Dr. D. Keith Clarke; sons, Jeffery P. Clarke and wife Valerie, Mark A. Clarke and wife Anne, daughter; Kimberly Kay (Clarke) Williams and husband Timothy,  grandchildren; Quenton A. Clarke and wife Krystal, Noah A. Clarke and wife Faith, Marina E. Clarke and her fiance, Brendan English; her great granddaughter, Rienna L. Clarke; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Wanda Freeland, and Gary and Carol Freeland; and her nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Belin United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers of The Key for the months of care and kindness given to Kay.

Memorials may be made to the Belin United Methodist Church Music Fund, 4182 US 17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

An online guestbook is available at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

March 31, 2025

"But never have I been a blue calm sea. I have always been a storm."

-Stevie Nicks

Dabreyl "Bre" Burkholder, also affectionately known as "Breezy," "Amaryllis," and "Aunt B.," 36, of Covington, Virginia quietly executed her final Irish Goodbye and transitioned to the Bright Side of Grey on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Ms. Burkholder was born on Saturday, February 18, 1989, in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of the late Daryl and Debra Burkholder. She attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College where she graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Administration of Justice and a Certificate in Law Enforcement. Bre worked as a Communications Officer for the Covington Division of Police, the Clifton Forge Police Department, the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office, and the Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center serving the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, Buena Vista Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and VMI Police as well as 17 fire and rescue companies. She was also employed by the LewisGale Regional Health System as an armed Security Officer for seven years before changing careers and pursuing her life's work in the funeral service industry. She attended John Tyler Community College and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Funeral Services and a Certificate in Allied Health. From there she went on to begin her career as a Funeral Director/Embalmer, Crematory Operator, & Preneed Specialist and over the years she served at Loving Funeral Home of Covington; John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home of Salem; Lotz Funeral Home of Roanoke; Cremation Choice of Virginia; and was most recently employed by Oakey's Funeral Service at the Roanoke Chapel as an embalmer in the Care Center. She also served many other funeral homes over the years in Southwest Virginia; the Roanoke Valley; and even as far as Chesterfield, Virginia and The Greater Richmond Area as the role of an independent trade funeral director and embalmer and also as a transport technician for H&S Removal Service in Richmond, Virginia. Bre was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington, Virginia and also attended First Christian Church in Covington, Virginia.

Ms. Burkholder preferred the finer things in life, living for today and not thinking about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is never promised; of course, the funeral director in her knew that statement to be very true. Breezy was highly proficient in advocating for others, strongly expressing her opinions, fluent in sarcasm, and gallows humor. Like most of the women in her family, she was truly a force to be reckoned with.

One of her greatest accomplishments in life was funeral directing, and most especially embalming and restoration-a skill and trade that she loved performing as well as education and instructing others within industry. She took much pride in her work and pleased the families she served in a time in which they experienced their darkest hours. When she wasn't working, Breezy could usually be found with a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and entertaining in the company of great friends and family. Most of all, she loved vacationing to the beach, especially the sugar sands and the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. Other times, she could be found in cemeteries and graveyards photographing old gravesites, epitaphs, and statuary. After all, they're one of the few places a person could find actual peace and quiet away from the rest of the world. She possessed a great appreciation for the macabre arts and dark literature. To quote Winston Churchill: "She was a riddle, wrapped in mystery, inside an enigma."

In addition to her mother, Debbie Burkholder, surviving to carry on her legacy is her brother, Daryn Burkholder and wife, Sara; nephew, Henry Burkholder, and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and many special friends near and far whom she also considered family. Also surviving are her fur-babies, Princess and RowwRoww.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11 am in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating. Family will receive friends at Oakey's Funeral Service- Roanoke Chapel 318 Church Ave Roanoke, Virginia 24016 on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Bre was an employee of Oakey’s Funeral Service, 318 Church Street, Roanoke, VA

March 24, 2025

Lora Gene Johnson Lehman of Lynchburg died Monday, March 24, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Ellis Ray Lehman.

She was born July 23, 1924 in Decatur, Illinois, a daughter of the late Biness Filmore Johnson and Laura Inez Emerson Johnson.

Gene passed away at the age of 100, a milestone she had often expressed she never desired to reach. While she made it clear she was ready to embrace the next chapter of life, she faced her final years with the same grace, dignity, and humility that defined her. Known for her unwavering patience, Gene was a loving nurturer who always put others before herself. Her sharp mind and keen spirit remained vibrant until her very last day, playing Canasta with friends on the afternoon before falling ill. Gene had a keen sense of humor that could be easily missed if you didn't pay close attention. She was an active soul, constantly engaged in activities that brought her joy, including reading, chair exercise and knitting beautiful prayer shawls for friends. Gene's generosity extended beyond her family and friends-she always sought to be a source of comfort rather than a burden. Her legacy of love, selflessness, humor, and quiet strength will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by three sons, Steve Lehman of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada, John Lehman of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and Bob Lehman and his wife, Terry of Cumming, Georgia; one daughter, Judy Finch and her husband, Rob of Huddleston, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, Wendy Lehman, Joey Lehman, Jimi Lehman, Joel Meredith (Jen), Erica Lehman (Tyson), Melissa Lehman, Karl Lehman, Jessica Lehman, Sarah Lehman, Laura Holbert (Trevor), Trey Finch (Brooke), and Jackson Finch (Fallon); eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Flossie Burgett and Margie Fitch.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista by the Rev. Brady Willis with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Altavista.

Grandmother to Trey Finch, Southside and Blueridge Funeral Directors Association Member, Mother-in-law of Rob Finch, VFDA past president.

March 21, 2025

Roy Douglas Repass, known affectionately to friends and family as Doug, embarked on his final journey, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and wisdom on March 21, 2025. Born on April 1, 1943, in North Tazewell, VA to the late George W. Repass and Dovie Marie Repass. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Bob, Jack, and Marshall Repass.

Doug was a man of intelligence and wit, traits that served him well both in his professional life and at the family dinner table. He attended Emory & Henry College; he delivered more than just mail as a Rural Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. His customers often looked forward to his rounds, not just for the letters and packages but for the daily dose of humor he brought to their doorsteps. Alongside his father and brothers, Doug also operated Repass Barber Shop in North Tazewell, VA, where he was not only the purveyor of fine haircuts and stories with every snip and trim.

In his personal life, Doug was the analytical handyman who could fix anything, a skill that often made him the first call for family and friends in need. His love for FOX news was only rivaled by his passion for westerns. There was nothing he enjoyed more than analyzing the day's events with the sharpness of a news anchor and the resolve of a cowboy riding into the sunset.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kay Goss Repass, who was the love of his life and partner in every adventure. His children, Lisa Harry, Sheila Repass, David Repass and his wife, Mandy, and Debbie Stilwell; he was affectionately known as “Granddaddy” to, Chandler Harry, Trevor Edwards, Jonathan Stilwell, and Lacie Repass; sister, Margaret Kulchar, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to tell the tall tales and jokes that Doug so loved.

Doug's life was a series of well-crafted stories, punctuated with laughter and a keen sense of the world around him. He was a man who could find the humor in any situation and the solution to any problem. His analytical mind made him a go-to for advice, and his handy skills made him indispensable at family gatherings—especially when something needed fixing, which, according to Doug, was always.

All services will be held privately with his family where he will be laid to rest at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.

Grandfather of Jonathan Stilwell,

Funeral Service Licensee at John M. Oakey and Son,

Salem VA. Blue Ridge District Funeral Directors Association

Robert Lee Potterfield III of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Winchester Hospital, Winchester, Virginia. He was the brother of Shirley Potterfield McDonough, owner of Loudoun Funeral Chapel in Leesburg, VA. 

Born April 14, 1948, he was the son of the late Robert Lee Potterfield Jr and the late June Elizabeth Tavenner. Bob was born and raised in Leesburg, Virginia, and attended Loudoun County High School.

He began his career in funeral service with Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA. In 1972 Bob graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Bob and his brother-in-law, William “Bill” McDonough, opened Loudoun Funeral Chapel in Leesburg, May 1, 1978. Bob later served for twenty years as Director of Operations for Service Corporation International. He also worked as a Director at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA and as a Director at Joseph Gawler’s Funeral home in Washington, D C. The final years of his career were at Pumphrey Funeral Home in Rockville, Maryland. Working in funeral service for over forty years, Bob was a licensed director in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Bob was an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed the many car shows he attended.

Bob is survived by two sons, Andrew Cushing (Kelly Kerr) Potterfield and Christopher Ayres Potterfield. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Robert Lee Potterfield IV on April 19, 2023. He is also survived by his former wife Mary Gulick Beach, his daughter-in-law Tammy Popish Potterfield, his sister Shirley Potterfield McDonough, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Interment will take place privately on a later date at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob’s honor to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

February 14, 2025

Debra Lynn DeCantis, born on May 19, 1962, in Alexandria, entered peacefully into eternal rest on February 14, 2025, at the age of 62.

Debbie's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, friends, and her many passions. In her early years, she found joy in assisting her father with his racehorses, sharing in the excitement and hard work at Charles Town Races in WV.

For twelve years, Debbie was a committed employee of Giant Food in Fredericksburg, where she forged lasting friendships and made a positive impact on everyone she encountered.

A woman of many interests, Debbie was a devoted fan of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), finding thrill and entertainment in the matches. She had an abiding love for animals, especially cats and dogs, who brought her much comfort and companionship. Additionally, she cherished watching movies, often sharing her insights and critiques with those close to her.

Debbie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she engaged with her community in meaningful ways and nurtured her spiritual beliefs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dominick P. DeCantis and Wanda Ann Scott (DeCantis); and sister, Linda DeCantis-Graham, whose memories she cherished deeply. Debbie is survived by her devoted brother, Thomas S. DeCantis, her loving sister, Margaret D. Wilhour (Mark), her cherished niece, Erika Kaufman, and several dear cousins who will all miss her greatly.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Debbie’s best friend and caregiver, Pam Jett, the LDS Fredericksburg Ward, and the LDS ladies group.

A memorial service to honor Debra's life will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to gather in remembrance of her remarkable life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colonial Beach Rescue Squad in appreciation for their dedicated service.

Debra Lynn DeCantis will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with those around her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Sister of Tom DeCantis

Regional Manager of Altmeyer Funeral Home

Northern Funeral Directors Association

February 4, 2025

Virginia Mae Kendrick, 92, of Vinton, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025. She was born August 30,1932 in Huntington, West Virginia the daughter of Ray Plymale, Sr. and Madge Kilgore Plymale. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband, Gene T. Kendrick; and a brother, Ray Plymale, Jr. Virginia is survived by her three children, Diane Spurlock and husband, Ron of Roanoke, Debbie Teets of Moneta, Kelly R. Kendrick and wife, Debbie of Roanoke; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Horne Funeral Service.

Grandmother of Joseph Teets,
Vice President Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Dec 28, 2024 | Shenandoah

Lisa Jo Crigler, age 68, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, following a years-long journey to overcome cancer.

Born August 30, 1956 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, she was the eldest child and only daughter to the late Edwin Lee Crigler and Sue (Kimble) Dudley.

A life-long Christian, Lisa was dedicated to Christ on September 30, 1956 by her parents and would be raised in Monterey Presbyterian Church. In her childhood Lisa spent countless hours exploring the forest in Burner’s Run. There, she and her brothers would pick teaberries along the walking path to the nearby creek, and she could often be found playing in the moss under the pine trees where she pretended fairies lived. As an adult she loved time spent working in her yard, hiking, kayaking, and generally being in nature – a continuance from her youth.

Lisa attended and graduated from Highland High School with the class of 1974, where during her junior year she served as class Treasurer and Maple Princess. Following high school, Lisa would go on to attend and graduate from Elizabeth Brant School of Business and would apply that education throughout her life, including positions as Human Resources Administrator of Bell South and Business Secretary of Villa Heights Baptist Church, both of Roanoke. Later in life she would return to school to become a Board-Certified Optician in 2014 and entered into an eight-year career serving the Roanoke and Salem communities. As an optician, she was well known for her shining smile, high energy, and keen fashion sense that made the clients feel welcomed as they walked through the door.

However, Lisa’s chief career accomplishment was opening Teaberry’s, Inc. in 1995. This small gift shop & garden center was named after the childhood memories of her parent’s backyard property, Burner’s Run. In its infancy, it offered small nicknacks and flowers, but evolved to serve hot tea with cucumber sandwiches on her renowned homemade bread. Soon thereafter, Teaberry’s became a thriving restaurant and catering business, which expanded into two locations. Lisa retained ownership and operation of the business for 16 years, ultimately selling in 2011 for it to continue to thrive for several more years.

Her father’s child, Lisa will be remembered for her determination and strong will. “Once she set her mind to something, she was going to see it through” and those that knew her knew that to be true. She also possessed a loving and caring spirit for her family and countless friends, an attribute that never waned throughout her struggles with cancer. Yet another quality, and possibly her greatest, was her selfless nature. This was particularly evident when Lisa chose to undergo two separate clinical trials with low probability for success. While those trials came at a price, she opted to participate in them for the likelihood that the research conducted could benefit others.

Above all, her greatest success in life is the legacy she leaves behind - her four children and their families. No small feat, Lisa miraculously managed to raise three spirited boys and one resolute daughter to adulthood. Through countless paddlings, groundings, pleas, and in spite of their efforts to offset her direction, Lisa succeeded in her goal. She left this world with the comfort of knowing her children, in her words “will be okay without her.” Equally as important to Lisa, was the knowledge that she had done her part to ensure that her kids were devoted to Christ, and that foundation in faith-that she helped lay-would extend to her grandchildren as a lasting Christ-filled legacy on earth.

Her children were her life, her “pride and joy,” as were her 16 beloved grandchildren, with whom she spoke of in constant repetition. In her children’s youth, she was the perpetual taxi for their endeavors in cheer, wrestling, soccer, football, and the like. She was always active in their extracurriculars, having served as PTA President, President of the William Byrd Band Boosters, Lead Chair of the After Prom Committee, among others. She loved each of her children for who they are and always ensured they felt loved and special. As adults she wasn’t able to spend as much time with them or her grandchildren as she would have liked, but the time she was able to share was filled with love, laughter, and memories to be cherished forever. Truly, she loved her children unconditionally. And we, her children, were privileged to have the experience of our youth and to have been shown the understanding and patience only a loving mother could have.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a grandson, Griffin Lee Obaugh; as well as her special aunt and uncle, Myrtle (Kimble) and Stanley Mason Lough.

Surviving family members include her children, Bryan Stuart Obaugh and wife, Megan of Monterey, Ben Tyler Obaugh and wife, Jill of Moneta, Beth Lauren (Obaugh) Linkenhoker and husband, David of Goodview, and Bryce Alan Obaugh and wife, Beth of St. Paris, OH; her grandchildren, Lane Alan Obaugh, Jackson William Obaugh, Blaine Joseph DeMarco, Noah Tyler Obaugh, Savannah Jo Linkenhoker, Alyssa Lyle Obaugh, Olivia Marie Obaugh, Liam Francis Obaugh, Ariella Mae Obaugh, Nora Catherine Linkenhoker, Lowell Alexander Obaugh, Annalise Renae Obaugh, Laurel Elizabeth Obaugh, Malak Daniel Obaugh, Titus William Obaugh, and Lilith Grace Obaugh; brothers, Gary Crigler and wife, Angela of Monterey, and Chris Crigler and wife, Mary of Warrenton; nieces, Amanda Crigler of Monterey and Erica Ruleman of Staunton; nephews, Scott Crigler and wife, Laura of Midland, and Tim Crigler and wife, Danielle of Warrenton; father of her children and close friend, George William “G.W.” Obaugh of McDowell; as well as several great-nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

In accordance with Lisa’s wishes, funeral services will be held in both Roanoke and Highland County.

Beginning in Roanoke, the family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel (318 Church Avenue SW Roanoke). A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, also at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel with pastor Alan Moore officiating.

The family will once again receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday January 3, 2025 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell. A funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Obaugh Funeral Home with pastor Chip Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Monterey Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be made up of Lisa’s grandsons and nephews.

Obaugh Funeral Home

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Mother of Bryan Obaugh, owner of Obaugh Funeral Home of Highland and Bath County

Nov 08, 2024 | Southside

Mr. John Anderson “Doc” Calloway, age 80, of Danville, VA, passed away on Friday, November 08, 2024 at SOVAH Health-Danville.

He was born on July 09, 1944, in Chatham, VA, to the late Willie H. Calloway, Sr. and Catherine Calloway Adams.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister; Gene Raymond Oakes and Willie Calloway, Jr. and Rose C. Carter; two step-brothers, Herman Adams and George Adams, Jr.; and three step-sisters, Barbara Inge, Shirley Lee and Jean Adams.

Mr. Calloway was employed by Swicegood Funeral Home for 47 years, as a funeral attendant and grounds maintenance.

He was a faithful member of Apostolic Faith Temple, Ringgold, VA. He served as a greeter and was appointed to the Deacon Board.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Melba S. Calloway; son, Miles (Katina) Scott; granddaughter, Kaitlin Scott, of High Point, NC; sister Evelyn Hubbard, brothers, Sherman (Clara) Calloway and Curtis (Tracey) Calloway; step-sister, Mary (Cecil) Carter, Bernice Carter, and Annie B. Clark; step-brothers, Ben (Ruby) Adams and John (Lila) Adams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Highland Burial Park with Rev. Percy Younger and Pastor C. Saunders officiating. The family will be at the residence at other times.

Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Calloway family.

Swicegood-Barker Funeral Home

Southside Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Home Staff

Oct 24, 2024 | Blue Ridge

NELSON LEE VEST, 93, of White Gate, VA, went to be with the Lord he so faithfully served on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home. He was born August 27, 1931 in White Gate, VA, the oldest son of Edward & Sadie Vest.

Nelson faithfully served the Lord and was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Church. Besides caring for the grounds for many years, he held the position of treasurer for 50+ years and was a member of the Mt. Zion Quartet for many years. Nelson loved music, especially four-part harmony, and loved listening to good gospel music as loud as he could stand it.

Nelson spent his life in service to his community. He was involved in many aspects of the community he loved and cherished. He was drafted and served in the United States Army. He was the community barber. He was a caretaker of the Stinson Cemetery and was member of the cemetery board.

Nelson was a charter member of the Poplar Hill Fire Department. He was a charter member of the White Gate Ruritan Club where he served for 50+ years. He was the caretaker of the White Gate Community Center for many years, a job he took very seriously.

He worked in the dye house at Klopman Mills for 30 + years until the plant closed.

He had achieved the status of the oldest member of his church, the Vest family and of his community.

Nelson was most proud of his work along side his family as a funeral director at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home. He has served his community with compassion and dedication for 68 years. He held many titles within the business, be he was most proud to be the driver of the hearse that carried his friends and neighbors to their final resting place.

Nelson’s life was an exemplary example of a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. On Saturday evening, his goal was achieved and he heard his master reply, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your master!”

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sheffey & Sadie Mustard Vest, his wife, Pauline Hooker Vest, his daughter & son-in-law, Brenda Leigh & Jerry Horn, his grandson, James Bradley Perdue, his granddaughter, Kelley Leigh Perdue, his brothers, Edward Louis Vest and Carl Lynwood Vest, his sister, May Dell McPeak, his brother-in-law, Roger Sutphin and Pauline’s siblings, Roy, Jr., Juanita, Olena, Glenna, Eula and Ralph.

Left to cherish his memory are his son & daughter-in-law, Jackie & Debbie Vest; his granddaughters, Leslie & Eric Sharp, Miranda & Michael Webb and Tara Clark; his great-grandchildren, Lainy, Easton, Jordan, Drew, Emmanuel, Brantley and Lakin; his great-great-grandchild, Kasen and one on the way, Analeigh; his brother, Jimmie Lane Vest; his sister, Rebecca Ann Sutphin; his brothers-in-law, Wayne McPeak and Jack Cunningham; several special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Pastor Brian Consley and Charles Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Stinson Cemetery where military rites will be provided by his friends from the Bland American Legion Post #20 and the Bland VFW Post# 7969.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Nelson’s honor to either the Stinson Cemetery Fund, 2508 Walkers Creek Valley Rd., Pearisburg, VA, 24134 or to Mt. Zion Church, 200 Old Church Road, Pearisburg, VA, 24134.

Nelson’s family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Dana Nicolas, Jodie Giles, Tammy Riggs, Kaidyn Giles, Vickie Greenway and Vinia Davis, to his friends at the Giles Heath & Family Adult Day Center and to Carilion Hospice for your love and care throughout the last few years, months and days.

The Vest family is in the care of their family at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director A. Vest and Sons Funeral Home