In Remembrance

March 7, 2026

Juanita Chapman (Nita), 95, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 at her home in Decatur, Georgia. Her life was a celebration of joy, faith and family.

Nita was the daughter of William S. and Juanita Lee Fowler. She and her siblings, Will Fowler, Joseph Fowler, Clement Fowler and Mary Ann Fowler Thurber, enjoyed growing up in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nita graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Atlanta, class of 1948, and attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia. She married John Chapman in 1950, and devoted herself to her husband of 52 years, her 5 children and her large extended family. Nita completed her degree in Education at Georgia State University in 1971, teaching in Gwinnett and Dekalb counties, and excelling in the field of adult education. Her working life included time as "Penelope Pen" at Rich's department store, and she was an essential employee for customer service and accounts receivable at Entune Agencies, until her retirement at age 84.

Intelligent, caring and fun, Nita was blessed with a sharp sense of style, poise and grace. She created and maintained strong friendships throughout every phase of her life. She was actively involved with her church and Catholic faith, teaching CCD classes at her home parishes. Nita was an incredible gourmet cook and avid gardener. Doll collecting, square dancing, sail boating adventures with husband John, travel across the U.S. and Europe, all kept her life busy and active. Later life included an interest in genealogy and she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Duluth, Georgia chapter. Nita was never without a book to read, and thrived on discussing politics, literature and film.

Preceded in death by her siblings, husband, one granddaughter, and one grandson, Nita is survived by her children, John Chapman, Beth Stallings, Dan Chapman (Tina), Joe Chapman (Susie), and Mary Anna Brazeale, along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 636 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, 30030. TBA

A private burial will be at Westview Cemetery, 1680 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. TBA

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause close to Nita's heart:

The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program (MGHSE), sponsored by the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB).

https://www.aidb.org/k12/mgh

205 South Street East

Talladega, AL 35160

Faith, Hope and Horses

2598 Newton Road

Elkton, VA 22827

https://faithhopeandhorses.com/donate

Mrs. Chapman is the mother of Dan M. Chapman, Crematory Operator, and the grandmother of Daniel L. Chapman, Manager, both of Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service, Grottoes. Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association

Mar 6, 2026

Every now and then, a man of great honor and character is born, and that man lives his life with true heart and love, and when he passes, there is a great sorrow that affects his whole community. Such a man was Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr. He courageously fought his cancer with great strength and dignity and drew his last breath on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born in Richlands, Virginia, on June 17, 1942, and was the son of the late Eugene H. Hurst, Sr. and Billie Sue McConnell Hurst.

Gene was a graduate of Richlands High School, Class of 1959, and of Emory and Henry University, Class of 1963. Following in his father's footsteps, he then graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a funeral director.

Gene dedicated his life to serving others as the owner and operator of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell. In this role, he was much more than a businessman; he was a source of profound love and compassion for families during their most difficult moments. Over the years, he guided countless families through grief with a gentle spirit and a genuine heart, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served. Gene lived as a testament to kindness and professional integrity.

He was a lifelong member of the Richlands First Methodist Church, where he was a member of the St. Thomas Sunday School Class, Adult Choir, Men’s Breakfast, and other various administrative leadership positions. His faith, his church, his family, and his business were his life.

He held the distinction of being the longest active member of both the Tazewell County Country Club and the Richlands Lions Club. Gene was also a member of the National Guard Unit in Richlands; American Legion, Roanoke Scottish Rites, Gundy Oddfellows Lodge #17 I.O.O.F., Kazim Shriners, Southwest Funeral Directors Association, Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce, CART, International Order of the Golden Rule, and the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF & AM where he was a member for over 53 years. He and his wife, Martha, were prominent supporters of the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and the Southwest Virginia Community College Educational Foundation. He will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues, and the entire community.

Those who remain to carry on his spirit are:

His true love and soul mate of over 60 years, Martha Firebaugh Hurst

Daughter: Jill Hurst Stump, and her husband, Jimmy of Centreville, Virginia

Sons:
Gregory H. Hurst and his wife, Diane of Radford, VA
Jeffrey N. Hurst and his wife, Charity of Richlands, VA

Sister: Susie Garrett and husband, Jeff of Cornelius, NC

Affectionally known as “Granddad,” his greatest joy in life was loving and being loved by his grandchildren: 1stLt Grayson Hamilton Hurst; Bailey Nicole Hurst and fiancée, Killian Cardinale; Sadie McConnell Hurst and fiancée, 1stLt Joseph Michael Kennedy; Addison Jill Hurst; Nathaniel Patton Hurst; Lillee Manning Hurst; Raelyn Martha Stump; Cooper Nelson Hurst; and Ivy Jaymes Stump.

His Bonus Family: Brandon and Breanne McDaniel and their children, Kolten, Peyton, and Ryder; and Eric and Lakin McDaniel and their children, Ellee and Rhyatt.

Special thanks to his caregivers: Ashley M. Ward, Sherry Jackson, Linda Wingler, and Darrell and Robbie Kinder. Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Legacy Hospice and Palliative Care.

Funeral services for Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr. will be conducted Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1pm at the Richlands First Methodist Church, 402 Suffolk Avenue, Richlands, Virginia with Rev. Devin Schultz officiating. Interment will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Virginia. Pallbearers will be current and former employees of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 5pm until 9pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Masonic services will be conducted on Monday after the funeral at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Richlands First Methodist Church, 402 Suffolk Ave, Richlands, Virginia 24641 or the SWCC Educational Foundation, PO Box 1101, Richlands, Virginia 24641.

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Eugene was Owner and operator of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell

February 27, 2026

Celebrating the Life of a Cherished Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cynthia Myers “Cindy” Grandle, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 73, after a courageous and nearly year-long battle with ovarian cancer.

Born on February 5, 1953, she was a beacon of kindness, strength, and warmth to all who knew her.  Her unwavering love for her family, friends, and community was evident in every aspect of her life.  She found immense joy in simple pleasures like knitting, reading, dancing, hiking, bird watching, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens.

She earned her B.S. Degree from JMU in 1975 and M.Ed. in 1982.  Cindy taught students with learning disabilities for 26 years in both Colonial Heights and Shenandoah County Public Schools before earning her Ed.S. Degree in 1997 and completing her career as a School Psychologist in Rockingham County Public Schools.  She cared deeply about the colleagues and students she worked with throughout her career.

She was a lifelong member of Timberville Church of the Brethren where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Women’s Fellowship, served on the Church and Deacon Boards, and shared her voice in the choir.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne L. and Eleanor Christine Myers.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jerry L. Grandle, whom she married on June 21, 1975.

Also surviving are two sons, Adam and Zach, grandson, Parker, sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Earl Fink, and a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.  Her memory will live on in the stories we share, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives, friends, and community members who have offered extraordinary care and support throughout the past year.  We also wish to express our deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers whose compassion and dedication brought comfort and peace during her final months.  Your kindness made a profound difference in a difficult time.

Pastor Karl Magenhofer will conduct a celebration of life at Timberville Church of the Brethren on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 am, where friends and family are invited to gather and honor her remarkable legacy.  The family will receive friends Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to Timberville Church of the Brethren outreach programs or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at www.ocrahope.org.

She will be forever missed, lovingly remembered, and always in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace.

Cynthia Myers "Cindy" Grandle is the wife of former owner of Grandle Funeral Home.

https://www.grandlefuneralhome.com/obituary/cynthia-grandle

February 15, 2026

Esther Leedy Taylor, 95, of Hillsville Virginia passed away Sunday February 15, 2025 at Northern Surry Assisted Living. She was born September 12, 1930 in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late Bruce Buchanan Leedy and Maude Meredith Leedy. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Freel Taylor; brother Ray Leedy; sisters, Pauline Hounshell, Mildred Huddle, Ruby Overay, and Iva Haynes. 

After graduating from Marion High School, Mrs. Taylor attended West Virginia Business College. Her first job was working for Bolen Motor Company in Rural Retreat as a bookkeeper. In 1960 she married the love of her life Ray and dedicated her life to her family and her faith.

Throughout her lifetime she taught Sunday School and sang in several groups. She attended Groseclose First Church of God, Groseclose VA, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Elk Creek, VA and First United Methodist Church, Hillsville. Mrs. Taylor was also a teacher's aid at Elk Creek Elementary for 9 years. She was one of the founding ladies of the Independence VFW Auxiliary of Post 7726. In 1999 she moved to Hillsville so she could be close to her family. Her greatest joy was seeing her grandsons and great-grandchildren play out in the yard and in her den.

She will be greatly missed by her family: Daughter Tilda Mullins and son-in-law Tony Mullins of Hillsville. Grandson’s: Benjamin Mullins and wife Devanie, Dr. Nathaniel Mullins and wife Chelsea all of Hillsville. Great Grandchildren: Braxton, Forrest, Josie, Everest, Harrison, Maggie & Aspen all of Hillsville. Special family friend Traven Taylor of Hillsville. The family would like to thank Northern Skilled Nursing Center and Mountain Valley Hospice for their love and care during her illness.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Thursday February 19, 2026. It will be held at Mt.Zion United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, VA. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Private burial will follow at the Comers Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made Camp Dickenson, 801 Camp Dickenson Lane, Fries, VA 24330 or to the charity of your choice.

Vaughan Guynn McGrady Chapel of Hillsville is serving the Taylor family.

Obituary can be found here:  https://www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com/obituary/esther-taylor

Esther Lee Taylor was the Mother-in-Law of Tony Mullins, Manager of Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, VA.  

February 13, 2026

Edward Warren McElmurray III of Salem, Va., passed from the arms of his family into the arms of his Savior on February 13, 2026. Edward was born on October 13, 1931, in Augusta, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Warren Jr. and Alice McKie McElmurray, and sister, Georgia Morris of North Augusta, S.C.

Those who treasure his memory are his wife, Joann Peery McElmurray; son, Fred Warren McElmurray (Mary Anne); daughter, Shari McElmurray Holbrook (Clark); grandchildren, Philip Edward McElmurray (Laura), John Alexander McElmurray (Chuan Xia), Christopher Peery Holbrook, and Kaitlyn Ann Holbrook; and great-grandchildren, Leon Max and Eleanor Reneé McElmurray.

Edward was educated at Carlisle Military Academy, Clemson University and graduate studies at LSU. He retired as second lieutenant in the United States Army.

He has a long association with his church. A charter member of Fairview Presbyterian Church in North Augusta, S.C. A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 50 years serving as Elder, Deacon and most committees. He was active for many years with the Presbytery of the Peaks serving as Trustee, Investment, DOA and Finance.

He had a successful career in the field of Finance and Insurance. He was associated with Shenandoah Life, Regional Manager of New England Life and founded his own company representing various insurance companies. He excelled as a leading regional manager nationwide. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Designation of CLU, a member of the Elks Club, Visa Yacht Club, Virginia Golf Association, Virginia Hospitality Association, Civitan Club, Past Presidents of Roanoke General Agents and Managers Association, Roanoke Valley Association of Life Underwriters, and Roanoke Valley Estate Planning Association. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer for many community organizations.

He loved his family. He loved life. He had a passion for history and travel, having visited 79 countries with Joann. He enjoyed sailing, golfing, snow and water skiing.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Va. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12 p.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will be conducted at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Edward was the Husband of Joann McElmurray, longtime Executive Director of the VFDA

Obituary can be found at: https://www.oakeys.com/obituaries/Edward-Warren-Mcelmurray-Iii?obId=47255250

January 2, 2026

The Rev. Dr. David Keith Clarke, 86, widower of Linda Kay (Freeland) Clarke, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

He was born on August 27, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia, son of the late Leonard Gordon Clarke and Marguerite Lucille (Lyons) Clarke. He was a graduate of DuPont High School, Morris Harvey College, and Emory University School of Divinity. He was an ordained Elder in the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and faithfully served the Church for forty-seven years in pastoral ministry. Throughout his career, he pastored churches across West Virginia and was appointed Fairmont District Superintendent at the age of thirty-six. Even in retirement, he continued to answer God’s call, serving Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet until the end of his life, even administering Holy Communion on Christmas Eve just days before his passing.

In addition to his ministry, Keith devoted his life to service and leadership in both church and community. He served as chair on numerous committees at both the Conference and General Conference levels of the United Methodist Church, including the Conference Rules Committee, Conference Higher Education Committee, Conference Missions Committee, and as President of the General Conference Equitable Salaries Commission. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees at West Virginia Wesleyan College and was honored with the title of “Kentucky Colonel.” Keith was a member of Rotary International and proudly served as past president of the Murrells Inlet Rotary Club. He was also a member and past Grand Prelate of the West Virginia Grand Commandery Knights Templar. His service extended into the community through roles as a choir director, radio broadcaster providing football color commentary, member of the American Red Cross relief assessment team, Habitat for Humanity Board member, and occasional basketball official.

A man of many interests, Keith enjoyed cooking, golfing, traveling, hunting, and basketball. He was an avid West Virginia Mountaineers fan. Music was a lifelong passion, and he found great joy singing in chorales, choirs and small groups, especially alongside his beloved wife, Kay.

Survivors include his two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey P. and Valerie Clarke of Cherry Grove, South Carolina, and Mark A. and Anne Clarke of Staunton, Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberley K. and Tim Williams of Florida; his three grandchildren, Quenton Clarke and his wife Krystal, Noah Clarke and his wife Faith, and Marina English and her husband, Brendan; his beloved great- granddaughter, Rienna Lily Clarke; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In addition to his parents and his wife of sixty-four years, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Samuel Gordon and Martha Clarke, and his daughter-in-law, Kelley Clarke. A Celebration of Keith’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet with the Rev. Will Malambri officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Goldfinch Funeral Home, Murrells Inlet, SC. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belin Memorial Worship and Music Department (4182 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576), the West Virginia Wesleyan College for scholarships for pre- ministerial students (59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201), or to the West Virginia United Methodist Foundation for Seminary Scholarships (500 Virginia Street East, Suite 750, Charleston, WV 25301).

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rev. Dr. D. Keith Clarke please visit our Sympathy Store.

Full obituary can be found here.

His full obituary can be found here.

Keith is the father of Mark A. Clarke, General Manager of Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, VA

December 28, 2025

Susie Ellen David Lucado, 66, of 1001 Broad Street, Altavista died Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of H. Michael Lucado, Sr. for 31 years.

She was born July 17, 1959 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late James Elbert David and Betty Ann Kurtz David. She was a member of Hyland Heights Baptist Church and a retired school teacher. Susie was a graduate of Gretna High School, Bluefield College with a B.S. in Human Resources and a graduate of Liberty University with a Masters in Special Education. She enjoyed traveling and most of all spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Zachary A. Lawrie and his wife, Betsey of Stafford and James D. Lawrie and his wife, Ashley of Forest; three step-sons, H. Michael Lucado, Jr. and his wife, Jennipher of Lynchburg, Matthew S. Lucado and his wife, Sharon of Hurt and Christopher B. Lucado and his wife, Christina of Sparks, NV; one daughter, Tabitha D. Lucado Hernandez and her husband, Emilio of Hurt; one sister, Deborah Annas and her husband, Richard of Hurt, nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, James T. David.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Finch & Finch Chapel by Pastor Butch McCarthy with interment to follow in Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery, Appomattox.

The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Hyland Heights Baptist Church Youth Ministry or Food Pantry, 100 English Tavern Road, Rustburg, VA 24588.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Susie David Lucado please visit our Sympathy Store.

Online condolences may be made at https://www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com/obituaries/susie-lucado/#!/Obituary

December 16, 2025

Carl Lee Easter, 82 of Catawba went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born May 26, 1943, son of the late Walter Thurman and Stella Lucinda Stutler Easter. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert "Bobby" Lee Easter; father-in-law, Frank William Walker and mother-in-law, Juanita Webb Walker.

Carl's distinguished career as a funeral director started in Pulaski at Bower's Funeral Home and continued at Oakey's Funeral Service in Roanoke for 28 years from where he retired. Carl also received the Golden License Award for 50 years as a funeral director from the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. Carl was a member of Christian Life International Church in Salem, VA. Carl loved his family, and they were so very important to him.

Carl is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Walker Easter; daughter, Teri Brown (David); stepdaughter, Renee` Mullins; stepson, Chris Pittman (Calli); grandchildren, Savannah Decarolis (Robert), Gabriel Hatcher, Markus Mullins and Isaac Mullins.

The funeral service was held at 1:00 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Christian Life International Church with Pastor Ryan Linkous officiating. Burial followed in the Sarver Family Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.

Retired employee of Oakey’s Funeral Service, Roanoke, V

November 29, 2025

Betty “Kaye” Jessee Settle, of Lynchburg, formerly of Greenville, SC and Springfield, VA, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her greatest loves.

Many could say she passed after a long battle with cancer. But if you knew her, you knew she was a multiple Cancer Survivor and Warrior. She never gave up, never lost hope and never gave in - to her last breath she fought. She fought to be with and here for everyone she loved. Her dedication was there through her very last moments; her love and commitment will never be forgotten.

She was born in Danville, KY on September 5, 1945, the only child of John Dickenson and Rubye Hanson Jessee.

She touched so many around her in ways that were meaningful. She was a fierce friend, advocate, and confidante. She rode the happy times with friends and family, but if you were in trouble and needed someone by your side – Kaye was a force to be reckoned with. She saw who you were, who you wanted to be, and she would help you figure out how to get there. She had a way of being brutally honest, but only with the best of intent and only to drive the best result. There are many that cherish and will cherish memories of her in ways that can’t ever really be explained, if you know – you know.

An avid reader – you could regularly find her hunting for books anywhere they were to be had. She refused to move into the times of a silly kindle or tablet…what would she need that for; all she needed was a book. Besides, an iPad is for playing games, reading emails, and looking for shopping deals. Without a book, during relaxation times you would find her curled up watching all the best British television or Science Fiction there is to off er.

Kaye had a flare for anything she did. How she decorated or put a meal together. She loved anything created by P. Buckley Moss, she was a collector that would put many others to shame. More so was her love of Christmas – particularly Santa Clauses and all the decorations placed with love. She was a lifelong Methodist, an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society for several years, and a highly competitive Hand and Foot player (but happiest when she was winning). Kaye was fun and at the same time made anything she touched beautiful.

She was a natural explorer and loved antiques or touchy feelies as she called them. Kaye and her husband Kemp traveled up and down the east coast visiting family and friends in Kemp’s RV. Kemp could say she tolerated his love of RVing. Let’s put it this way, she would have rather been camping at a Ritz Carlton but thoroughly enjoyed every single one of their adventures together. Stopping along the way to discover Antique Shops and Flea Markets. Kaye loved things that were old, had beauty and value. Their traveling gave her new hunting grounds which over time became regular places to visit. She really enjoyed it when they went to Florida each February to hide away from the cold and eat at all their favorite restaurants.

Left to cherish and hold her memory close, always, are her husband and best friend of over 32 years, Kemp Nicholas Settle; her daughter (her pride and joy) Jessica Thompson Ford; her son in love Danaus “Dan” Ray Ford; and her constant companion, Sherlock aka Jessica’s bubby (a very sweet and precocious Peak-a-Poo).

The family will receive friends from 3:00–5:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Whitten Funeral Home Timberlake Chapel, Lynchburg, VA. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA, 23069.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Kaye by sending a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 to help support her love of dogs.

Kaye was the wife of VFDA member and past president Kemp Settle, Operations manager of Whitten Funeral Homes in Lynchburg. 

November 10, 2025

Howard Eugene Belvin, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025. He was a licensed funeral professional for over 50 years. Born in Durham, NC, he was the son of the late Carolyn Kramer Belvin and N. Piper Belvin.

Gene began his funeral service career after graduating from Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science after which he worked at Cox Funeral Home for many years, and later became Vice President of Seaboard Memorials and after it closed, he worked at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. until he retired.

Gene was a longtime member of Ghent United Methodist Church, and was a past president of their U.M.C. Men’s Club. He was a member and past president of the Norfolk Kawanis Club, the Norfolk Jaycees, and the Tidewater Funeral Directors Association where he also served for many years as the Chairman of the T.F.D.A. Scholarship Committee, and the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was also a past president of the Virginia Monument Builders Association and the Allied Memorial Council.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret B. Belvin; 2 sons, Howard E. Belvin, Jr. (Lavinia) and Christopher P. Belvin (Avi); a brother, Miles Clark Belvin; 5 grandchildren, Christopher A. Belvin (Steph Pullen), W. Kyle Belvin, Cortlyn R. McWilliams (Matt), Amber Nicole Armstrong (Nick), and Cameron Amanda Belvin; 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; and many loving friends who will miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, Nov. 14th from 6 until 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Chapel of H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. A memorial service will be conducted the following day, Saturday, Nov. 15th at 3:00 p.m. at Ghent United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brittany Toner officiating. Gene will be buried at a later date in Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ghent United Methodist Church, 531 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507.

Obituary can be found here