In Remembrance

Aug 9, 2024 | Southwest

Carl Gene “Rick” Gilliam, Jr., 66, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Lonesome Pine Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Rick was born in Harlan, Ky. and lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was a 1976 graduate of Powell Valley High School, where he excelled in athletics, and played on the 1974 Va. State Basketball Championship team. He was the owner/operator of the former Gold’s Gym in Big Stone Gap. He graduated top of his class from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in August of 1990. Rick was an owner of Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory since 1990. Rick and his family also provided services for the community with Fit-Con Graphics, and G & G #2 Carwash in Appalachia, Va.

At a young age, Rick began riding motorcycles and later loved to compete in Enduro racing across the Eastern United States, having sponsorships and winning many awards. Music was Rick’s quiet place and his love of music found its way to him playing guitar in many churches in the area. Rick was a member and Past Master of the Big Stone Gap Masonic Lodge #208 AF & AM. He attended East Stone Gap Baptist Church.

Rick was one of the hardest, most dedicated individuals you could meet. His attention to detail was second to none and led to his successful business career. His relationships with community members was unsurpassed.

Rick’s love of sports led to him coaching basketball, soccer, baseball and softball. He played a large role in the development of travel ball in Southwest Virginia. His generosity and encouragement to his players will never be forgotten.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Gilliam and his father-in-law, Sherley Brooks.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sherry Gilliam; his children, Erica Hillman & husband Blake and Logan Gilliam & wife Carly; his grandchildren, Eden Hillman, Kyla Gilliam and Brooklyn Gilliam; his father, Carl Gilliam; his sister, Brenda Adams & husband David; his mother-in-law, Wilma Brooks; his sister-in-law, Elaine Wells & J.J. Vaughn; his nephews, Mathew Grubb, Travis Grubb & wife Melissa and Andrew Wells & wife Kim; and many special family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. at Gilliam Funeral Home. Rick’s Celebration of Life service will follow in the chapel with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.

Graveside services will be held at Glencoe Cemetery after the services.

Pallbearers will be family members, Logan Gilliam, Blake Hillman, Matthew Grubb, Cotton Gardner, Travis Grubb, Roger Gilliam, Brian Gilliam and David Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bud Fannon, Andrew Wells, Marty Large, Mike Allen, Corky Warren, Barry Hamler, Bobby Johnson, Rick Fannon and Jr. Harvey.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory asks for the community’s prayers for the family, during the services of our beloved Rick Gilliam.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit

http://www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Gilliam Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Gilliam Funeral Home

Aug 6, 2024 | Tidewater

Betti Jean Shahmouradian, Ed.D., 84, died Sunday, July 21, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband Edward A. Shahmouradian, a U.S. Air Force pilot in 1982 and her youngest son William A. (Bill) Shahmouradian in 2013. She is survived by one son Edward Lawrence Shahmouradian, one grandson Nicholas Alexander Shahmouradian, and one great-granddaughter Juniper Scout Shahmouradian of Newport News, VA and Tacoma, Washington. She is also survived by a sister Linda Lester of Ohio, a brother Joseph Purdy (Melissa) of North Carolina and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Betti Jean received her Doctorate in Education from the College of William and Mary in 1992 and upon retiring as principal from Williamsburg/James City Schools she attended Mid Atlantic College of Funeral Services and received her license by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

Active in Civic Function, Dr. Shahmouradian served as Treasurer of the David Brian Bullock Memorial Scholarship Fund benefitting Peninsula area high school graduates, served on the board of the Eastern Virginia School for the Performative Arts, was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Hampton Roads, was a member of the James River Country Club, and parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Dr. Shahmouradian was a resident of Newport News and Williamsburg since 1972.

A visitation will be held at Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 7415 River Road, Newport News, VA 23607 on Tuesday, August 6, from 5 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Hall (behind Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church), 144 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601 the next day, Wednesday, August 7, at 11 am. Following the mass, a graveside service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park at 1 pm and a reception will be held after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The David Brian Bullock Memorial Scholarship Fund: https://dbbscholarship.weebly.com/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth "Betti", please visit our floral store.

Altmeyer Funeral Home

Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Director at Altmeyer Funeral Home Riverside Chapel

Jul 22, 2024 | Central

Woodrow Marks Dunkum, Jr., 71, of Dillwyn passed away June 29, 2024. He was born March 29, 1953, in Charlottesville, and is predeceased by his parents, Woodrow M. Dunkum, Sr. and Emma Louise Dunkum, and his brother Leslie B. Dunkum. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Norman Dunkum, children Erin O’Brien (Tim) and Woody Dunkum (Courtney), and beloved grandchildren, Cormac, Claire, and his newest granddaughter due July 30th. He experienced great joy in the last few years as his family grew and he loved being “Big Papa”.

Mark was a lifetime resident of Buckingham County, a member of First Baptist Church Dillwyn, where he served as a deacon and on numerous committees, a former Dillwyn volunteer firefighter, and the owner and operator of Dunkum Funeral Home, Inc.

Mark was a licensed Funeral Director for 50 years and he considered it a privilege to serve the citizens of Buckingham in their time of grief. Prior to the county’s 911 system being in place, the Funeral Home would receive emergency phone calls and then help dispatch fire and ambulance requests, sometimes giving rides to the hospital in the hearse. In 2012, Mark began working side-by-side with his wife, Karen, helping her learn the funeral business and quiet traditions his family established over 100 years ago. He was honored to be the “Country Undertaker”.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Dunkum Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 3, at 11 AM at Dunkum Funeral Home with interment at Grove Church cemetery in Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church Dillwyn Repair Fund and Grove Cemetery Association.

Dunkum Funeral Home

Central Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Dunkum Funeral Home, Inc.

Jul 12, 2024 | Southwest

Rosedale, VA, Sammy Dale Hess, age 67, passed away, July 9, 2024, in Russell County Hospital.

He was born June 12, 1957, in Richlands, VA to the late Burke Hess and Virginia Hess. Sammy was a 1975 graduate of Honaker High School and retired after 35 years of service from Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He enjoyed cooking, watching TV, and fishing.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Fields Hess, two brothers, Willard Dean Hess and Michael Foster Hess.

He is survived by his son, Sam Hess and wife, Vickie; granddaughter, Macie Wallace and husband, Connor; great-granddaughter on the way, Lainie Wallace; sister, Deanna “Pheebe” Rowe and husband, Chris; sister-in-law, Cathy Hess; special cousin, Audrey Key; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews also survive.

Special thank you to all his friends and neighbors, Mark and Hazel Phillips, Lisa McGlothlin, Joyce Jones, and Thomas Harris.

Visitation with the family will be held 6-8 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service with entombment to be conducted 11am Friday, July 12, 2024 in the Ketron Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Pastor Justin Blankenship officiating. Everyone wishing to attend is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Phillips, Sheriff Bill Watson, Doc Adams, Mason Phillips, Josh McGlothlin, Bob McComas, Thomas Harris, Makenzie Phillips, K.P. Bartee, Jeff Arwood, Jeff Miller, Randy Miller, Mark Cox, Kenny Musick, Steve McGlothlin, Marshall McGlothlin, Tom Kennedy, Joel Sample, Barry Sample, Oscar Soublo, Bobby Gross, Joel Gilmer, Gary Musick, Greg McReynolds, Wendell Hart, Dave Mullins and Larry Belcher and all the men he worked with on the railroad.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family on our website at www.chfunerals.com or the funeral home Facebook page. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, Virginia 24266, 276-889-4444

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sammy Dale Hess, please visit our flower store.

Combs-Hess Funeral Service

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Father of Sam Hess, Combs-Hess Funeral Service

July 9, 2024

Kristal Lane "Kris" Murray Dean, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and formerly of Clifton Forge and Eagle Rock, passed unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure, on Saturday morning, June 22, 2024 in Mechanicsville. She was 58.

Born June 7, 1966 in Clifton Forge, Kris was the baby of a large family. She grew up in the Clifton Forge Baptist Church and was educated in Clifton Forge Public Schools before graduating from James River High School in 1984. She loved learning and took many classes at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and received her Bachelor degrees in English from Old Dominion University and Psychology from Mary Washington University. In her early adulthood, she enjoyed the time she spent as a Pizza Hut waitress and an announcer for WXCF Radio in Clifton Forge, as well as working at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, and coordinating benefits for children through the Head Start program in Richmond. She enjoyed watching others learn and was a substitute teacher for Hanover County Public Schools. Throughout her life, she never stopped learning. She excelled at drama, singing, art, stained glass, quilting, photography, baking and cooking, collecting, organizing family applebutter festivals, reading, researching family genealogy, and more recently, beekeeping and horticulture. Her bright, lively personality and grand sense of humor made her fun at the kitchen table for a shared meal, playing games, talking about life, and especially party recaps over a hot cup of coffee and a cold slab of one of her fabulous cakes. She drew people close and everyone in her circle felt fortunate to be there. She was both interested, and interesting, and reveled in the experience of the culture associated with wherever she was, be it in her old railroad hometown, during her many travels with Steve and the girls, or at home in Mechanicsville. She served her community well as a good neighbor, a volunteer at her local library, and as a substitute teacher. She was the best caregiver for all her family members in need and always showed up when she got the call. Kris immersed herself in a variety of passions throughout her life, which included being a very proud aunt and great friend, but her greatest passion of all was her beautiful family and the home they made together. She was a devoted, loving wife and the best mother. Steven, her husband of 30 years, and Lillian and Evelyn, their beautiful daughters that are so much like Kris, will carry her spirit onward in the many stories and memories they share, as well as in the lives they live. Also surviving Kris is her mother, Norma Morgan; siblings, Alice Murray, Jonathan Murray, and Kelly Slusser (Tommy); father- and mother-in-law, Phil and Lyvon Dean; two nephews and a niece, Evan Blatt (Carly), Rob Slusser, and Sylvie Slusser; adopted brother, Barry; nephew, Sage McPherson; many family members, most notably the West Virginia family that she loved to keep up with through social media, family reunions, and long phone calls with her "Ant" Nola; a very special family friend, Ryan Kopelman; and the friends she made throughout the years, including her neighbors and the wonderful members of the Lamb family. Kris will also be missed by the furry family that shared her home, Mavis, Molly, Poppy, Sylphrena, and baby Silas, and by her sweet, honey-making buddies in the back yard (and yes, Evie did let them know).

In keeping with Kris' express wish, her body was cremated and her life's work will live on in those that will always love her and honor her memory through championing worthy causes, celebrating successes, sharing recipes, reading good books, telling stories, caring for family, growing things, practicing good manners, and being kind.

A private time for the family to honor her will take place at a later date.

To send flowers to the family of Kristal "Kris" Dean, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Nicely Funeral Service

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association, Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Sister-in-law of Tommy Slusser, Nicely Funeral Home

July 8, 2024

John “Bucky” Wesley Stone, III, 76, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his residence in Staunton.

He was born on December 19, 1947, in Staunton to the late John Wesley “Buck”, Jr. and Mary Evelyn Desper Stone.

He was employed with the Virginia Department of Corrections for twenty-five years. He also worked part-time at Henry Funeral Home for over twenty years.

Bucky was a proud member of the United States Army and a Vietnam veteran having served his country, with unwavering courage and commitment. His bravery and sacrifice are a testament to his character and his patriotism. He had a deep love for gardening and flowers as well as trains and golfing. He was a devoted member of the Verona Fire Department for twenty years, having served as chief for ten years.

He is survived by his son, Wesley Stone and his wife, Lori; his beloved sister, Connie Kennedy and her husband, Chuck; his grandchildren, Somer Warren and her husband, Matt and Seth Stone and fiancé, Ashley Atkins; brother-in-law, John Reed; his great grandchildren, Landon and Braelyn Warren, Avery Stone and Bentley Dameron and his cats, Morris, Oreo, Punkin and Lucy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Eleanor Reed Stone; his brother-in-law, Joe Reed and his cat, Sissy.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 8, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Field of Valor section at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton with Reverend Russell Heinrich officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Steve Farrish, Doug Britt, Seth Stone, Matt Warren, Roland Brown and Glenn Shaw.

Honorary pallbearers will be his lifelong friend, Rodney Miller and Ernie Sutherland.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105) or Wounded Warrior (4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL. 32256).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John "Bucky" W. Stone, III, please visit our flower store.

Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Employee of Henry Funeral Home

June 10, 2024

R. David Bradley, age 76, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Bristol Hospice House in Bristol, TN.

David was born in Smyth County, Virginia, to the late George and Iva Starling Bradley. He is also preceded in death by his infant brother, Charles J. Bradley; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Bobby Russell; nephew, Tony Russell, and special brother-in-law, Buddy Blevins.

David was first and foremost a devoted husband, father, PawPaw, son, and brother, putting his love for his family above all else. His legacy of devotion and care extended beyond his immediate family, reaching into his community where he served in many capacities. His life was characterized by his commitment to giving back and fostering the best in others.

David served his country, state, county, and church community in numerous ways, reflecting his unwavering dedication to service. David devoted 27 years to the Army Reserves, demonstrating his patriotism and sense of duty to his country. He devoted 44 years of his life to law enforcement, becoming Sheriff in 1996 and serving with distinction until his retirement in December 2015. His commitment to public safety and community well-being was further exemplified by his role as a founding member of the Adwolfe Fire Department, after previously serving in the Sugar Grove Fire Department.

Among his proudest achievements was the implementation of the "Operation Safety" program for the senior citizens of Smyth County, aimed at enhancing their safety and well-being. Additionally, his devotion to the Children's Van Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church was a testament to his passion for supporting and uplifting the youth in his community.

David’s kindness, generosity, and belief in the inherent goodness of people left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He always sought to see the best in everyone and helped others see the best in themselves.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Wilma Kestner Bradley; his sons: Donald Bradley and wife Valerie of Cameron Park, CA, Timothy Bradley and wife Justine of Marion, VA, and Jamie Bradley and wife Amanda of Marion, VA; his cherished grandchildren: Megan and husband Matt, Nick, Kenedy, Rowan, Jacob, Seth, Jaden, James, Abby, Alayla, Jayla, Ava, Jayce, Abel, Jackson, Pepper, and Rowdy; nephews and niece: Chad, Todd, and Shannon. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law: Mary Blevins, Chris Griffitts, and Lois Taylor; his adopted son, Tracy Sledd; adopted grandson, Little Man Sledd; numerous other nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and Critical Care Team at Bristol Regional Medical Center ICU for their valiant efforts in helping David, and to the nurses at the Bristol Hospice House for their compassion and care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastor Scott Foster and Jamie Bradley officiating. Private Entombment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will follow. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church Children’s Van Ministry, 956 Matson Drive, Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of R. David Bradley.

Bradley Funeral Home

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Father of Tim Bradley

May 20, 2024

Kimberley Dale Saville Beuerle, 63, of Lynchburg, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was the wife of Timothy James Beuerle, Sr. for 41 years.

Born in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of William R. Saville, Sr. and the late Eloise Gills Saville and was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Kathy Powell Saville.

Kim was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She was very active in her church, Fort Hill United Methodist Church; United Methodist Women and Park View Mission. She retired from Lynchburg City Schools and was teacher of the year 2008-2009. She was a graduate of Lynchburg College, where she received the Evelyn Bickham Outstanding Undergraduate Alumni Award.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Dr. Catherine Beuerle Martin and her husband, William and their son, Cameron; a son, T.J. Beuerle and his wife, Gerri and their children, Easton and Holden; mother and father-in-law, Brenda and Don Beuerle; two brothers, William R. Saville, Jr., John A. Saville and wife, Kim; two brothers-in-laws, Donald Beuerle, Jr. and wife DeNae’, Chris Beuerle and wife Sonya, a niece, Sarah Saville; four nephews, Taylor Saville, Samuel Saville, Joseph Saville and Christopher Beuerle.

Family and friends are welcome to visit from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory to sign the guest book if unable to attend the service on Saturday.

A Celebration of Kim’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Fort Hill United Methodist Church by Rev Marc Brown and Rev. Janet Hawkins. The family will receive relatives and friends following the service at the church. Burial will be private in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 106 Oakridge Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502 or American Cancer Society, 4405 Cox Rd., Suite 110, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Sister of John A Saville, owner of Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, Lynchburg, VA

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association, Southside Funeral Directors Association

Sister of John A. Saville, Owner Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, Lynchburg, VA

April 16, 2024

Tamara Leigh Whitt Kelly, age 66 of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday (4/9/2024) at her home. She was born on February 7, 1958 in Danville, Va, daughter of Maxine C. Whitt, and the late Claiborne Keister Whitt Jr. She was preceded in death by her father, and her husband David Wayne Kelly. She loved her three dogs, cooking, gardening and being outside. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3:00pm at Saint Luke's United Methodist Church in Danville, Virginia. Surviving is her mother, Maxine C. Whitt of Danville, VA. Daughter, Kerri Eikost (Chad) of Danville, VA, Hayley Loman (Patrick) of Graham, NC, Kaitlyn Kelly of Chapel Hill, NC and son Joshua Kelly (Amber) of Sanford, NC. Siblings, Cindy Whitt of Raleigh, NC, Linda Adams, Sharon Robertson, Susan Doss, Keister Whitt and Bobby Whitt of Danville, VA; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com

Smith Funeral Home

Southside Funeral Directors Association

Sister of Keister Whitt, VFDA Past President, Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Home

April 16, 2024

Jo Ann Conner Maberry, 93 of Floyd, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, April 14, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Carlin G. Maberry; and her parents, Curtis and Ocie Conner.

Jo Ann was a graduate of Check High School Class of 1948 where she was known as “petite, popular, and a speedy ball player” in her senior yearbook. Her love of basketball continued into her 80’s as she thoroughly enjoyed watching Floyd County High School basketball, even traveling to Richmond for state games until she was no longer able. She also loved being outside any chance she got; working in her garden and planting flowers. Traveling was a favorite pastime, especially taking Abbott Bus trips in later years, and she always made sure her daughters got to go on vacation growing up.

She married the love of her life on June 5, 1953 and settled into their first home in Willis. She worked at Maberry Store when it was located in Willis. She worked for Floyd County Public Schools for 25 years, working at Willis Elementary, Floyd Elementary, Floyd County High School, and the Bus Garage and Maintenance Department as secretary until her retirement. In addition to the school, she worked with her family at Maberry Funeral Home, Inc., becoming Owner and President in 2008 following Carlin’s death. She was lovingly referred to as “The General” by her staff, “The Troops.” She’s remembered for always working three jobs; the school system, the funeral home, and raising her two daughters and later keeping her granddaughter after school.

She was co-chair and instrumental in starting the Floyd County Chapter of the American Red Cross with her husband. She was a member of the Floyd Rebekah Lodge for many years. She enjoyed outings with the Blue Ridge Model A Club where she got to show off her cherished 1931 Model A that belonged to her dad and that she learned to drive on. She valued being a dedicated member of Floyd United Methodist Church until she was no longer able to go in-person.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Ann M. and Larry C. Phillips and Mitzi M. and Rodney D. Roberson; granddaughter, Nicole R. Carr (Tyler); great-granddaughter, Natalynn C. Carr; special caregiver, Barbara Gallimore; and special co-workers, Phillip Owens, Frank Keith, Isaiah Cox, Janelle Cox, Todd King, Wayne Lovelace, and Paul Hill.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Timothy Hale officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Floyd United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 55, Floyd, VA 24091 or to the animal charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.maberryfuneralhome.com

Maberry Funeral Home

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Owner and President of Maberry Funeral Home, Inc.