In Remembrance

February 7, 2023

Ronnie Lee Haymore, Sr., 75 of Whitmell departed this life on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Born in Danville, VA on May 30, 1947 a son of the late Herman Faye Haymore, Sr., and Lillian Hearp Haymore.

Ronnie graduated from Tunstall High School class of 1965 and served in the Virginia National Guard. He was a long time Dry Fork tobacco farmer until he became the Owner/Operator of Danville Casket Company, Inc, which he ran until his death. He was of the Methodist faith.

Ronnie loved all-things sports, especially baseball, having excelled by any metric as a catcher for Tunstall High School, and was a competitive and successful slow-pitch softball player for many years. He enjoyed a love/hate relationship with his beloved New York Yankees. Ronnie started coaching youth baseball in the early 1980’s and worked as a coach and board member for Pittsylvania County Youth Sports from its inception through and beyond the years of his children’s playing days. He eventually moved into the high school ranks coaching the Chatham Cavaliers for a total of 14 years, the last seven as the head baseball coach. Ronnie was named the Dogwood District Coach of the Year on multiple occasions while coaching at Chatham High School. Thereafter, he continued a passion for coaching with multiple years of service at Hargrave Military Academy and at George Washington High School. Ronnie was inaugurated into the initial class of the Pittsylvania County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Tuscarora Country Club, becoming a lifetime member of the club many years ago.

Ronnie served multiple terms on the Pittsylvania County Department of Social Services Board of Directors. He was currently serving on the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Association board and the Tunstall Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department board at the time of his passing.

On June 23, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Penny Powell Haymore, who survives.

Survivors in addition to his wife include two sons, Ron L. Haymore, Jr., (Kim), Greg Haymore (Amy), brothers, H. F. Haymore (Faye), Johnny Ray Haymore, four grandchildren, Brooke Galindo (Ernest), Blake Haymore, Anderson Haymore, Reece Haymore, a great-grandson, Kayson Galindo, and his beloved dog, Lexy.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Jerry Wayne Haymore.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Whitmell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Moore and the Rev. Mike Hearp officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel and at the residence at other times.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Tunstall Fire and Rescue or to Whitmell United Methodist Church.

Online condolences at www.wrenn-yeatts.com.

Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Haymore Family.

Wrenn-Yeatts

Southside Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Danville Casket Company

February 5, 2023

Jesus said, “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27) as true followers of Jesus, we also must serve others, service is helping others who need assistance. Christ-like service grows out of genuine love for the savior and of love and concern for those whom he gives us opportunities and direction to help.

Pennington Gap, VA- Crackers Neck Community, Big Stone Gap, VA

Ben V. Mullins age 81, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center.

He was born in Wise County, VA., the son of the late Isom and Bertha “Franklin” Mullins. He was the youngest of 10 children.

In his youth, he was born and raised in Crackers Neck. He attended elementary school in East Stone Gap before attending and graduating from Powell Valley High School, the first graduating class. At 16 years old, he took a job working for the Holding family at their Dairy Farm in Duffield. Bill Holding and Ben had a great relationship, and Ben was promoted to a position at the funeral home in Big Stone Gap. He attended mortuary school at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Once graduated, he began his partnership with Blake Wilson. Ben spent the remainder of his career completely dedicated to serving families at Holding, Arney- Mullins, and Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Homes. Ben was the consummate professional who never let the families bear their burdens alone. He took great pride in making a difficult time a little easier for all those he served. He will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, and colleagues.

In addition to his parents, his sisters, Judith “Cricket” Woost, Jo Ann Nanney, Meredith “Mutt” Sampson, Sadie Franks, Juanita Mullins; brothers, Sidney Mullins, Johnny Mullins, and George Mullins preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Brenda Hendricks Mullins; beloved daughter, Lori Jane Mullins and fiance’ Kipp Kiser; stepdaughter, Stephanie Branham and husband Jeremy; brother, Willis Mullins and wife Pat; special niece, Patricia Mihalchean; special cousin, Woody Franklin and wife Sandy, and a host of other very close relatives, friends, and acquaintances that Ben cherished.

The family will receive friends for the first visitation on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mullins-Sturgill funeral home in Pennington Gap, VA.

The family will receive friends for the second visitation on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA.

The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Holding Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Pastors Paul Davis Jr. and Tom Williams. Special music will be provided by Tilda Pope and Billy Howard Lawson. The graveside service will be held following in Glencoe Cemetery officiated by Pastor Rick Phillips.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Branham, Dean Mullins, Kipp Kiser, John Mullins, Josh Mullins, and Jessee Hagan. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Laster, Charles Arney, Blake Wilson, Woody Franklin, Zach Dorton, Clyde Scott, and Thomas Livesay.

An online register will be available for the family at www.sturgillfuneralhome.com and www.holdingfuneralhome.com

Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Home and Holding Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Ben V. Mullins

Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Home and Holding Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Director

February 2, 2023

On Sunday, January 29, 2023, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and friend, Frank Carlton Owens, Jr., peacefully transitioned while surrounded by his wife, Linda Jenkins Owens, and daughter, Erin V. Owens.

Frank was the only child born to the late Frank C. Owens, Sr. and Doris Copeland Owens on December 31, 1954 in Suffolk, Virginia. After graduating from Forest Glen High School in 1973, Frank matriculated and later graduated from Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management. During his college years, Frank worked for a local funeral home where he discovered his passion for mortuary science. Frank would later graduate from college and enter the workforce, but his love for assisting families during their time bereavement never left him.

After college, Frank worked for the Colonial Store in Suffolk, Virginia as a store manager. He later worked in corporate America for Pitney Bowes where he was a district service representative. Frank retired after 20 years of service at Pitney Bowes and started his second career as a licensed funeral director and mortician after graduating from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, New York in 1996. He loved being a licensed funeral director while working at Metropolitan Funeral Service where he was employed at his time of death. His meticulous eye for detail and passion for helping people allowed Frank to provide closure to many families in Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.

Frank is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda, one daughter, Erin, whom was born during his previous marriage to Dr. Sallye Owens. Frank is also survived by his stepdaughter, Gina Huston (Alshun), who affectionately called Frank, “Pop Pop”; step-grandsons Virgillo Wilson, Danillo Wilson, and Jamari Smith, and step great-granddaughters Danyela Wilson and Eden Wilson, all of whom affectionately called Frank, “PaPa”. Also to left to celebrate Frank’s memory are godsons Kelvonte` Nesmith and Leo White.

Frank will be remembered for his love for family and working hard. He was also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Frank was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened. We were all blessed to have known and loved Frank C. Owens, Jr. He will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

Viewing Saturday February 4, 2023 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Blvd. Portsmouth, Virginia Celebration of Life Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:00 PM First Baptist Church South Hill 3633 Galberry Road Chesapeake, Virginia And He Shall Rest... Carver Memorial Cemetery 2320 East Washington Street Suffolk, Virginia.

Metropolitan Funeral Service

Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

Friend of VFDA

January 23, 2023

Barbara S. Loving, 90 years young, passed away on Friday January 20, 2023. She was a native of Leland, North Carolina. She was the owner of Loving Funeral Home, a member of Alexander Baptist Church and a past Worthy Matron of Fellowship Chapter #140 Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid gardener and seamstress.

Barbara was the wife of the late Harry D. Loving, Sr. She is survived by her favorite granddaughter, Suzanne Loving; son H. David Loving, Jr. and his wife Melody, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson; daughters Debra L. Loving, Beth Yates, Judy Barnes, Jo Packer, Carla Hutt and Carla’s daughter Melissa, Rachel Moore her best friend with whom she shopped, made porcelain dolls, and traveled for Eastern Star functions with their husbands. Rachel and Barbara continued to check on each other every day by phone if they were not together. She is also survived by numerous other family members and devoted friends.

Barbara was predeceased by her sister Colleen Gainey, her brother Fletcher Simmons and her loyal Sheltie companions.

The family would like to thank Betsy Wilkerson Laster, who helped Barbara maintain her independence at home, the nursing staff of River 8 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and the medical staff of the following teams, for the excellent care provided while Barbara was in their care: Emergency Department, Trauma, Orthopedics, Medical, Cardiology, Neurology, and Respiratory.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in Loving Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Monday from 3:30-5:30 pm in the funeral home. The committal service at Olive Branch Cemetery is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alexander Baptist Church, Chesapeake, or the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast Leadership Endowment Fund.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara S. Loving please visit our Sympathy Store.

Loving Funeral Home

Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

Friend of the VFDA

January 21, 2023

Heaven gained a precious angel. Frank M. Rodriguez, 94, of Pocahontas, Virginia went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

Born in Bishop, VA he was the son of the late Joe and Pearlie Jones Rodriguez. Frank “Frankie” was a graduate of Tazewell High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Later, he earned his Funeral Director license in Cincinnati, Ohio. He began his career in Pocahontas and served his community for 60+ years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pocahontas, Virginia, the Pocahontas Lions Club, VFDA and a Shriner. In addition to serving his families he also owned and operated IGA Foodliner, Frankie’s Dairy Bar, Cozy Corner restaurant, an ambulance service and a laundry mat in his hometown as well as being active in his community.

His greatest love was being a dad and husband, being a funeral director and serving local families in time of need. Anyone who knew Frankie would agree he was a dapper gentleman with a heart of gold who would do anything for anyone and ask for nothing in return. His smile was contagious and his compassion for his work was endless. He never met a stranger and had a calming demeanor to those in need. Frankie was a true family man to his wife, children and grandchildren, they were his world! He loved to travel, fish, hunt and simply spend time with those he loved.

In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by his loving wife Peggy Wells Rodriguez, sister Kathleen Rodriguez, brother George Jones and Mike Rodriguez, uncles Harry “Jock” Jones, Charley Jones and aunt Blance “Maw” Harmon. Those left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Kim Rodriguez Moon (Barron) of Lancaster, South Carolina, Kathy Rodriguez Tickle (Jeff) of Pembroke, Virginia, and Karen Rodriguez Carter of Pocahontas, Virginia. Grandchildren Kristen Gordon (Patrick) of Spencer, North Carolina, Kris Ashley (Grace) of Heath Springs, South Carolina, Adriana Stevers (Joey) of Pembroke, Virginia, Skylar McClure of Pocahontas, Virginia and Ashton Carter of Pocahontas, Virginia. Great grandchildren Cameron and Liam Gordon, Carah and Gavin Ashley, Emmalyn, Preston and Boden Stevers. Brother Bill (Bert) Rodriguez of Colorado and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His companion of 8 years, Stella “Pru” Walker of Pulaski, Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Virginia at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2023 with Dr. John Wells (nephew) and Reverend Reginald Blakewood officiating. Friends may call between 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Internment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Bluefield, West Virginia. Military Rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Kris Ashley, Patrick Gordon, Joey Stevers, Skylar McClure, Frank Farthing and Jim Sager. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Tickle and Barron Moon.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen DeGray and wife Wendy, the staff at Lewis Gale Blacksburg Hospital, Encompass Health Princeton, West Virginia and Legacy Hospice Richlands, Virginia for their excellent care. Special thanks to his companion Stella Walker for loving and caring for him numerous years. Also, a heartfelt thanks to Josephine “Pnut” Spaulding for all her help and dedication over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Christian Action Center, PO Box 608, Pocahontas, Virginia 24635

Rodriguez Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Rodriguez Funeral Home, Father of Karen Rodriguez

January 20, 2023

Mr. Carlos C. Bland, son of Mr. Wayne M. Jones and Ms. Phyllis Graham, passed January 13, 2023. Visitation service is Friday, January 27, 2023 at Solid Rock COGIC, 2100 Vicker Ave. in Chesapeake, Virginia from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Solid Rock COGIC. Interment will be Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia. Vaughan - Temple Funeral Home is charge of the service.

Vaughn-Temple Funeral Home

Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

Son of Wayne Jones

January 19, 2023

Ann Larue Johnson Grandle, 94, of Broadway passed away January 17, 2023 at the Timberview Crossings in Timberville.

She was born January 7, 1929 in Rockingham Co. to the late Melvin M. and Ruby Good Johnson.

Ann worked many years at Grandle Funeral Home answering phones and doing hair. She was a member of Sunset Drive United Methodist Church in Broadway where she taught Sunday School, served in the women’s fellowship, and sang in the choir. Ann was also a member of the Shenandoah Valley #76 order of the Eastern Star, where she served as a past worthy matron, Chimney Rock VFW Post# 9660 Ladies Auxiliary, and she helped to organize and form the Broadway Little League.

On June 14, 1947 she married Carrel W. “Jodie” Grandle who preceded her in death on June 22, 2003.

Surviving are children, C.W. Grandle II and wife Peggy, Jerry L. Grandle and wife Cindy, Kathy Grandle Turner all of Broadway; grandchildren, Becky Mason (Danny), Pal Long (Casey), Mandy Freds (Will), Whit Grandle (Janna), Adam Grandle, Zach Grandle, Lacey Roberts (Zach), Jodie Turner; 13 great grandchildren; sisters, Janie Gallaher of Caruthers, CA, Linda Crider of Broadway; brother, Nelson John Snyder and wife Helen of New Jersey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tamra J. Long and husband Phil; sisters, Doris Jean Luff, Nancy Cootes, Mary Catherine Edwards; brothers, Charles Johnson, Melvin M. Johnson Jr., Roy Lee Johnson.

Pastors Tommy Lewis-Crosby and Steve Proctor will conduct a memorial service 4:00 P.M. Saturday at the Sunset Drive United Methodist Church in Broadway. Burial will be private.

Those wishing to sign the book may do so Friday from 9-7 at the Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway where the casket will be closed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Broadway Rescue Squad; P.O. Box 666 Broadway, VA 22815 or to the Sunset Drive United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 381 Broadway, VA 22815.

Grandle Funeral Home

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Wife of Late C.W. “Jodie” Grandle, Mother of Jerry Grandle and C.W. Grandle II and Grandmother of Whit Grandle and Jodie Turner