Elizabeth Margaret Handy WELCH — Elizabeth Margaret Handy, 69, of 1062 Stewart St. in Welch, died Saturday, June 24, 2006 at the home of her son David Handy in Rock Hill, S.C. Born July 17, 1936 in Whitman, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Elizabeth Popp David. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Lynn Handy. Survivors include her husband, Grady Handy of 1062 Stewart St. in Welch; one daughter, Debra Vought and husband Chal of Apex, N.C.; two sons, David M. Handy and wife Elizabeth of Rock Hill, and Dwayne K. Handy and wife Angela of Laurel, Md.; a brother, Louis David and wife Suzanne and a sister, Barbara Joyce, both of Jacksonville, Fla. She had been a resident of Welch since 1956, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Welch where she served as Deaconess. She enjoyed traveling, eating out, shopping and working Thomas Kinkade puzzles and, in her spare time, she did word search puzzles. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch with the Rev. Clay Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Bluewell. Friends may call today at Fanning Funeral Home in Welch from 6 to 8 p.m. Pallbearers will be Men of the Board of Deacons and the First Baptist Church in Welch, also serving will be Jim Copolo and Mike Day. Memorials, if so desired, may be made to the First Baptist Church in Welch or to the American Cancer Society. Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Handy family.

STELLA MAXINE PRESLEY WYTHEVILLE, Va. - Stella Maxine Presley, of 222 Mule Hell Rd., Wytheville, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006 at New River Valley Carillon Hospital in Radford, Va.. Mrs. Presley was born in Anawalt, a daughter of the late Burton Blevins and Callie Blevins. Mrs. Presley had been a resident of Wytheville for 10 years and had formerly made her home in Anawalt. She was a former employee of the U.S. Postal Department and the Coal Company and was a member of the Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Richardson and a brother, Paul Blevins. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include her husband, Walter Presley Jr. of Wytheville Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Bluewell where nephews will serve as pallbearers. The Presley family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7:30 p.m. today. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Presley family. \ . John W. Bailey Bluefield Daily Telegraph Friday, Jan. 27, 2006 LECKIE  John W. Bailey, 57, of HC 71 Box 400, Leckie, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield.   Born Aug. 1, 1948 in Leckie, he was a son of the late John A. Bailey and Wanda Hodges Bailey Hall.   Mr. Bailey worked for the WV Department of Highways and was Pastor of the Billy Sunday Gospel Church, Pocahontas, VA He was a graduate of Nicholas Senn High School.   In addition to his father Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by two sons, Justin James Bailey and Sean Bailey.   Survivors include wife, Margaret "Peggy" McCarthy Bailey of Leckie; mother, Wanda Hodges Bailey Hall of Leckie; two daughters, Erin Bailey of Leckie, Bridgett Bailey Settle and husband, Calvin; two brothers, James Bailey of Leckie, Larry Bailey of Elbert; one sister, Sherri Butterworth and husband, Eric of Charles Town; one grandson, Calvin Settle of Leckie.   Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006 at noon at Boyd’s Chapel Church, Leckie, with the Rev. Daniel Parish officiating. Burial will follow at the Boyd’s Chapel Cemetery, Leckie.   Friends may call Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon at Boyd’s Chapel Church, Leckie.   Cravens-Shires Funeral Homes, Bluewell, is serving the Bailey family. Eleanor M. Scott Eleanor M. Scott, age 75, of Albuquerque, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at a local care facility.   She was born November 25, 1930 in Gary Hollow, WV to Roy N. and Opal Goad. Mrs. Scott is survived by twin daughters, Jane Scott of Albuquerque and Jo Johnson and husband, Richard of Sunnyvale, TX; son, Roy N. Scott and wife, Elaine of Troy, IL; six grandchildren, Richelle, Chrissy, John, Joanna, Robert, and Mary; five great-grandchildren; sister, Iris Mille; brother, Charles Goad; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Scott married John S. Scott on February 15, 1951; he preceded her in death in 1996 after 45 years of marriage. She was an elementary school teacher, retiring in 1980 after 30 years. Mrs. Scott was an accomplished artist and musician and taught private art lesson from her home studio for many years. Services will be held on Saturday, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Interment will take place at a later date in Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel on Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333....     ..Thanks to Carolyn Little for this info on Eleanor   "BROTHER" Posted by  TOM PARKER  on Jul - 03 -06 07:39 PM(est) MY BROTHER  J.D. PARKER, CLASS OF 57, DIED ON JUNE 30 AFTER A TOUGH BATTLE WITH CANCER.  HE PLAYED BASKETBALL FOR THE COALDIGGERS.  PLEASE REMEMBER HIS WIFE AND 3 SONS IN MARTINSVILLE,VA.  J.D. WORKED AT DUPONT  FOR 32 YEARS AND HAD BEEN RETIRED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.  HE WAS 68. JOSEPH PARKER Sr. Joseph Parker Sr.   Joseph David Parker Sr., 68, of 920 Glade St., Martinsville, died Friday, June 30, 2006,  at his home.He was born March 26, 1938, in Smyth County to Trigg  Zachariah Parker  and Ruby Katherine Harris Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death  by a brother, Douglas Parker. He retired from the maintenance department at DuPont where he worked  for 32 years. He was a member of the First Church of God.Surviving are his wife, Sybil Burgess Parker  of the home; three sons, Gregory Zane Parker of Martinsville and Joseph David Parker Jr. and Thomas Zachariah "Zack" Parker, both of Ridgeway; three sisters, Regina P. Bleins  and Mary P. Dillon, both of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sue P. Hatfield of Clinton, Ohio; one brother, Tom Parker of Bristol; three grandchildren; and a step-great-grandson. The memorial service will be held 2 p.m. today at Norris Funeral Services chapel with the Rev. Charlie Childers officiating.  The family will receive friends at the home.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, P.O. Box 4788, Martinsville, Va. 24115. STEVE PARKS Hello fellow Coaldiggers. It saddens me to tell all of our classmates that my brother, Steve Parks (Geech) is dead. He died sometime between the 2 and 3 of July, he was 50 years old. He was a member of the Class of 1974. A talented musician, his love of music followed him his entire life. Many of you knew Steve, and found him to be a kind, funny and generious man. Me and the rest of my family will miss him dearly. He joins our father William, Mother Edith, brothers William Jr. and Ticky in heaven. God Speed Brother.. posted by Sterling Parks. Hunbert Alfred Bingham Hunbert Alfred Bingham,II (86 years old)died May 14th and was burried in the Military Cemetery in Denver, Col. on May 22nd. He graduated from Gary High school in 1939 - served in the Air Force as a B-29 pilot (flew bombing missions over Tokyo) and was one of five brothers serving in WWII at the same time. Two others brothers served in the Korean War and one during the Vietnam war. He is survied by his wife, one son and three Grandchildren. His surviving brothers include Bill(GHS 52) of Bristol and Richard (GHS 55) of Bluefield. Other siblings deceased include Elizabeth - James - Luther - Eugene - Tommy - David - Louis. Joey Randal Butler Sr. JOEY RANDAL BUTLER SR. 51 of Pageton, passed away Jan 2, 2006 at his residence. He was born Jan 1, 1955 in Welch, WVa and was a resident of Pageton. He was a Veteran of the US Army and Mr. Butler was a graduate of Gary, High School Fond Memories of David Blevins ..FOND MEMORIES OF DAVID BLEVINS.. David Blevins earned more than a paycheck for his work as a coal mine foreman---He earned respect.... For the better part of three decades, Blevins took care of the men who worked for him in the mines. After his body was recovered from the depths of Norht America's deepest underground coal mine, the working men he supervised through the years, laid him to rest as though he was one of their own.... Blevins was one of 13 coal miners who died in an explosion on Sept 23,2001 at the Jim Walter Blue Creek #5 mine in Brookwood, Ala.... Blevins was the only salaried employee who died in the disaster that included a pair of explosions Rescue teams who located his remains on Oct 30, have idicated he was apparently on his way to the site of the initial explosion when he was killed by the subsequent explosion... As a result of his singular act of care for his men, United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts spoke of him at the memorial held for the 12 union members. In addition, Roberts spoke at Blevins memorial and committal service on Nov 3, in Tuscaloosa. Ala... "I was a pallbearer," Jack Parish, a lifelong friend and union coal miner said. "Mr. Roberts spoke at the funeral and he laid an evergreen wreath on his grave. I understand he was the first salaried man to ever have that happen to him. A lot of union men had a great deal of respect for Dave. I thought it was decent.... One of the most decent things I've ever seen."... Blevins and Parish were the same age-- 52. They grew up together in Leckie near Anawalt, attended Anawalt Elementary School and graduated from Gary High School together in the Class of 1967... The two men went to work in the Newport News Va, ship building yards for about a year. Parish was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam, and Blevins returned home to start a family with his (now) widow, Wanda.... "After I got out of the service, I came back home and got a job at the U.S Steel mines in Gary," Parish said. On the first day, they sent me to No.2 Mines and guess who the section foreman was there? Dave Blevins."...   The two men worked together there for the next 15 years, but when U.S. Steel shut down Gary in the mid-1980's, the two men went in different directions. Parish stayed with the union and eventually went to a U.S. Steel mine in Alabams. Blevins joined a group of independent coal miners in McDowell Country made up primarioy of former foremen and supervisory personnel, who tried to operate the old No 2 Gary Mine to sell coal on the spot market.... "My dad sat me down and told me he didn't want me to go into the mines." Jody Blevins, 30, Blevins" youngest son said " He said I could make good money, but it wasn't worth all the health problems that comes with it" Jody works at W&B Fabricatiors in Glenwood. His older brother, David S. Blevins, works at the Jim Walter No 7 Mine in Alabama.   "Those kids needed it more than we did," Jody Blevins said " That's still my most memorable Christmas." His older brother David S. Blevins, works at the Jim Walter No 7 Mine in Alabama... Dave and Wanda Blevins helped more than just kids. They relocated to Tuscaloosa, Ala. about seven years ago, and opened their home to several coal miners and their families who came south looking for work. They were doing that as recent as this summer.... When a family or relatives living in Maitland (near Welch) got washed out in the July 8, flood. They gave them a place to stay at their home, and helped raise money for a new mobile home in Tuscaloosa, according to Blevins...   "Several of the coal miners who spoke at his memorial service said he was the best foareman they ever had. Some of them said they would look at the board to see who the weekend foreman was before they signed up. If they saw my dad's name there, they'd work the extra time"... Blevins said his father's death has been difficult for the family, but he said the huge outpouring of support from friends, family and the people he worked with and for had been of great comfort. He expressed his appreciation to everyone.....   "He believed in work," Jody Blevins said of his father. "In all the time he was here at Gary, I only knew of him missing two days of work, and that was because he couldn't get out of the bed."... Jody Blevins recalled his father's passion for others. He said one Christmas, his brother and him that rather than buy anything for themn, He was going to take the money he would have spent on his own sons and spend it on gifts for the children of a needy family in Leckie..... FOND MEMORIES OF A GARY HIGH SCHOOL COALDIGGER, HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON WITH ALL THE COALDIGGERS.... ...Thanks to Lillian Lovelace, Brooks, Holt and June lovelace Jones for this info on David Blevins a Former Coaldigger...bssims... Peter A. McCoy Principal of Anawalt Jr. High School and  former Assistant Principal of Gary High School has gone to be with the Lord on May 15th, 2001.  He will be missed by all that knew him. PETER A.McCOY: Following a private family graveside servie, a memorial servie was conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2001, for Peter A. McCoy, 87, who died Tuesday morning, May 15th, in Summit Square, Waynesboro, VA. Where he was a resident...   The Rev. Ken Brown officiated at First Presbyterian Church.... .....He was born January 13, 1914 in Princeton, and was the son of Al and Mattie Atwell McCoy. .....A graduate of West Virginia University, He was a teacher and Principal in the McDowell County until 1941. He left the county for services in World War ii and served in the South Pacific with the Navy as a communications officer through World War II. He was honoralbly discharged in 1946 and returned for a short time after the war.   .....He and two brothers founded McCoys Furniture Co in 1946. He served as President and CEO of McCoy's until 1991.. ...He was a past president and received the Distinguished Service Award as a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 50 years.... ...Mr. McCoy was employed by the McDowell Country Board of Education during the late 30's and again in the late 40's...

....During his tenure in the county school system he served as Assistant Principal at Gary High School and as Principal of Anawalt Junior High Schoo.... His brother, Bob was principal of the Berwind Junior High School... In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by nine brothers and two sisters... ...Survivors include his wife, Elouise P. McCoy of Summit Square, a son Peter A & (Rita) McCoy Jr. of Timberville; three grandchildren, Ashley Marie McCoy, Jesse Barton McCoy and Peter A. McCoy III.

...The family received friends following the memorial service... Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939. Reynolds Funeral Service of Waynesboro directed arrangements.

AILENE GAYLE DAVIS MILLS PRINCETON — Aileen Gayle Davis Mills, 67, formerly of Bluefield and Leckie, went to be with her Lord Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 at Princeton Health Care Center, Princeton.... Born Dec. 16, 1938 in Leckie, she was the daughter of the late Lee Earl Davis Sr. and Vergie Roark Davis. In addition to her parents, her brother, Joseph Donald Davis preceded her in death....   Ms. Mills graduated from Gary High School in 1956 and attended McLains Business College and Bluefield State College. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Epsilon Sorority. She worked for several years in the health care field as an administrator, activities director and caregiver and was the owner of the House of Grace Personal Care Home in Bluefield. Ms. Mills was a member of the Apostolic Church of God at Leckie.   Left to cherish her memories are her children whom she dearly loved..... Survivors: Son: Gareth Lee Mills and wife Monica and their children Caleb Lee and Jacob Henry of Princeton; daughter: Cynthia Yvonne Mills of Bluefield; brother: Earl Davis Jr. and wife Geneva of Anawalt; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.   Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006 at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell, with the Rev. Raymond Elledger officiating. Burial will follow at the Davis Family Cemetery, Long Spur, Va. The family will receive friends today, Feb. 25, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell.... Myron Tilley, Foster Tilley, Buddy Crigger, Mike Wallace, Bill Larrimore, Bill Gardner, Bernie Huff and Bill Vider will serve as pallbearers..... Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in honor of Ms. Mills.... Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Mills family.

Thelma Harman Kelly THELMA HARMAN KELLY 68, of Mountain Spring Road, Tannersville, Va., formerly of Oak Hill, Fla., died Saturday, March 4, 2006 in a Tazewell, Va. hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be conducted at noon Tuesday at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Tazewell. Interment will follow in Shady Spring Cemetery, Skygusty. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

WILMA SIMS HAWS                  WILMA SIMS HAWS 71, entered into Heaven on  Saturday, March 18, 2006.  She was born  and raised in Pageton, West Virginia,but lived in Cleveland, OH  for a number  of years. She was preceded in Death by her Father. Steve Sims of Pageton, WV, her mother Pauline Sims Coe of Pageton, WV.A Daughter, Mary Pauline Sweeney  of Cleveland, OH and 5 Brothers, Ralph, Don, Gilbert, Red,and  William.  4 Sisters, Evelyn Smith  Ruby Spencer, Roseland Misshoe and Shelby Survivors include her husband Thomas, Her sons, Randy Mullins,Timothy Mullins  and James Conley. Daughters, Darlene Branham, Betty Zimmer  SISTERS:  Barbara Sims Sebring, FL, Nancy Freeman  Warm Springs,VA  Patricia Johnson, Anawalt, WV  Brenda Norwalk, Henderson, TN. Sharon (Shiney) Overbaugh, Bland, Va. She was a Dear Grandmother to ten grandchildren, and ten Great Grandchildren. . Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 7501 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH from 6-9 P.M. Monday. SERVICE:  at Evans Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV. VIEWING:  on Wednesday from 6-9 FUNERAL: on Thursday 11:00  AM March 23rd CLERGY: Rev. Tommy Williams, previously from Gary, WV...  INTERMENT Highland Memory Gardens godby, West Virginia Wilma attended Gary High School class of 52

JACQUELINE CAROL GOODMAN TREBES GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Jacqueline Carol Goodman Trebes, 69, of Glen Burnie, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at Baltimore-Washington Medical Center. Born Aug. 17, 1936 in West Virginia, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Helen Goodman. She graduated from Gary High School, Gary, in 1954. She was a supervisor for MVA for 16 years. She was a member of the M.C.F.A., and loved to read, work puzzles, spend time with her daughters, go on day trips and play the slots. She had been a resident of Glen Burnie for 12 years. Survivors include two sons, Martin A. Casorla of Denver, Colo. and John E. Casorla of Baltimore, Md.; three daughters, Lisa Casorla of Denver, Tina M. Trebes of Glen Burnie and Dawn C. Trebes of Pasadena, Md.; one brother, William Goodman of West Virginia; and two sisters, Elaine Andrigo and Anita Farmer, both of West Virginia. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2006 at McCully-Polyniak Funeral Home in Pasadena, Md. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn, Md.  Friends may visit with the family from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday. Information submitted by Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell

JOHN SPICHEK, JR John Spichek, Jr. 79 of 121 Lakeland Park, Bluefield, WV died Monday, May 15, 2006 at his residence.  Born July 16, 1926, he had been a resident of Bluefield for 22 years and was formerly of Gary (Elbert).  He was retired from USS and a lifetime member of the USS mine rescue team.  He was a GHS graduate in the class of 1944.  Funeral services were conducted on Friday, May 19 where friends called two hours prior to the service at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell and burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.

BILLY MACK MARTIN RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. — Billy M. Martin, 70, of the Parks Ridge community, Russell Springs, formerly of Anawalt, died Saturday, May 13, 2006 at his home after a long illness. Born Sept. 23, 1935 at Pageton, he was the son of the late Woodrow Martin and Stella Simpkins Martin. Mr. Martin was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith. He last worked as a machine operator for Precision Machine Company in Fisher, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Rose Martin of Russell Springs; five children, Sharon Best of Amma, Bobbie Wilson of Russell Springs, Judy McVey of Carthage, Ind., Becky Waterman of Shelbyville, Ind. and Billie Jo Martin of Manilla, Ind.; eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; eight brothers, Richard Martin of Speedway, Dan Martin of Richlands, Wash., Frank Martin of Anawalt, Edward Martin of Gary, Ind., James Martin of Kokomo, Ind., Roger Martin of Bluefield, Douglas Martin of Birmingham, Ala. and Norman Martin of Unionville, Tenn.; four sisters, Marilyn Farris and Joyce Carque, both of Charlotte, N.C., Joan Akers of Salisbury, N.C. and Paulette Butler of Thorpe. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. Allen Martin officiating. Internment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Family will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. today, May 15, 2006 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton.

ALFREDA KELLY CONLEE Alfreda Kelly, 1946 GHS graduate, died today, April 26,2006, in Fort Myers, Fl. She will be cremated and returned to WV. Her urn will be placed in the cemetery at Roderfield, WV....... ......Info furnished by Shelby Kelly McClanahan.......

Mary Craig Rhea, Mary Craig Rhea, 96 died Sunday, May 7, 2006 at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Va.  She was a graduate of Radford University. She was a  teacher having taught second grade at Gary Elementary School for 20 years.  Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, May 10 and burial followed in Lutheran Cemetery in Rhea Valley.  Farris Funeral Services in Abingdon, Va. was in charge of arrangements.

FRANCES Then

FRANCES Now

FRANCES VIRGINIA GOFF WALTON ----In Loving memory---- Gone              But        Not Forgotten Frances Virginia Goff Walton, 69 of Madison Heights, Va. passed away Saturday, Sept.17, 2005 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Herbert A. Walton.   Born May 20, 1936 in Wilcoe, WV, she was the daughter of the late James E. Goff and the late Lillie Mae Ayers Goff. She was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church. Frances was a dedicated health care professional with 45 years of nursing service.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister Annabell Marie Goff.   In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children: Thela A. Walton, and Douglas L. Walton, both of Madison Heights, Va. and Rebecca L. "Becky" Walton of Lynchburg,Va.; a precious granddaughter, Kristen Dawn Walton of Rustburg, Va.;  eight sisters: Helen Goff Wilt, Alice Goff Spencer and Mary Goff Jenkins of Lynchburg,Va., Nancy Goff New of Amherst,Va.,Bessie Goff Roland of Wytheville,Va., Lois Goff Powell of Morganton, N.C., Margie Goff Mawyer of Midlothian,Va., Barbara Goff Gooden of Sunland, Ca.; three brothers: James E. Goff of Lynchburg,Va., William L. (Bil) Goff of Lake City, FL., and Daniel E. Goff of Morganton, NC.   Frances graduated from Gary High School, in Gary, West Virginia,,,,, Information furnished by Bil Goff, Brother of Frances.  Thanks Bil for the info and pic's

ALICE Then

ALICE: Now

ALICE MAE GOFF SPENCER IN LOVING MEMORY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Alice Mae Goff Spencer, 78 of Lynchburg, Va., passed away Saturday, Aug.12, 2006 at the Medical Care Center. For 44 years, she was the wife of the late Beverly "Jack" Spencer.   Born May 26,1928 in Wilcoe, WV, she was the daughter of the late James E.Goff and the late Lillie Mae Ayers Goff.   Mrs Spencer had retired from Pride Dry Cleaners, Where she was  employed for many years and was a long time member of Shiloh United Methodist Church.   In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances Goff Walton 2005  and infant sister Annabell Marie Goff 1934.   She is survived  by seven sisters , Helen Goff Wilt and Mary GoffJenkins both of Lynchburg,Va., Nancy Goff New of Amherst,Va., BessieGoff Roland of Wytheville,Va.,  Lois Goff Powell of Morganton,NC.., Margie Goff Mawyer of Midlothian, Va., Barbara Goff Gooden of Sunland,Ca.; three brothers ,James E.Goff of Lynchburg,Va.,William(Bil) Goff of Lake City, FL., Daniel E. Goff of Morganton, N.C Alice attended Gary High School.  Obit  sent with permission to post by brother Bil Goff

Lillie Mae Ayers Goff and James E. Goff THEN In their younger years. NOW in their Golden years,

JAMES E. & LILLIE MAE AYERS GOFF IN LOVING MEMORY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN James E. Goff  and Lillie Mae Ayers was Married  Aug.17, 1925, and went to Wilcoe ,WV on there honeymoon and lived up Saw mill holler James took a job in the Coalmines at Gary for US Steel. They had 13 children, 10 girls and 3 boys before he retired and moved to Lynchburg,Va. That was 37 years. James and Lillie had 61 years of marriage when James E. Goff , 86 died in his home Feb. 4, 1987  He was Born Dec. 8,1900 in Bedford County,Va. Lillie Mae Ayers Goff  Died two year later April 15, 1989, she was 79 and was born  June 7, 1909 in Buchanan,Va. They had 25 years of Retirement together.  They were members of Beulah Baptist Church. They had a daughter  Annabell Marie Goff that was born May 25, 1934 and she died  June 17, 1934. AM Goff is buried on top Of Sarka's Mountain, Sarka's  Mtn. Cemetery. Lillie and James Goff had 30 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Thanks to Bil Goff  for providing me info on his Mom & Dad.

Mamie O'Brian Cooper  To all AnawaltGary Alumni Members Mamie O'Brien Cooper Class of 1926 died today at the Glenwood Assistant Living Home in Princeton. Mamie was the last surviving member of her class. She was 98 years old. Aunt Mamie as she was affectionately called by her Class of 1955 taught Civics and was the school librarian at Anawalt for 46 years. Her funeral will be at the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch, WV on Monday, August 29 at ll:00 a.m. For more information contact me at my email. Patricia Carol O'Brien Class of 1958.

William L. "Bill" Lockhart   William L. "Bill" Lockhart, 54, of Talman Village near Gary, died August 27, 2006, at Welch Community Hospital (DOA).   Born November 28, 1951, in Welch, he was the son of Walter Lee and Rose Marie Peak Lockhart Sr.   He was a lifelong resident of the county, a former employee of U.S. Steel No. 9 mine and the Gary Preparation Plant.  Before becoming disabled, he owned and operated his own auto repair shop.   He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion Post 8 of Welch.  He was of the Catholic faith, and graduated from Gary High School in 1971.  He loved hunting and riding his 4-wheeler; but mostly spending time with his family.   He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dave and Pearlie Mae Peak and paternal grandparents, Wallace and Kathleen Lockhart.   Suvivors include in addition to his parents; His wife, Cathy Switch Lockhart of Talman Village; one son, William L. Lockhart Jr. and wife Amanda of Mooresville, N.C.; one daughter , Denise Ann Carvalho and husband Manuel "Mac" of Timonium, Md.; three brothers, Walter L. Lockhart Jr. and wife Svetlana of Hinesville, Ga., Wallace L. Lockhart and wife Mary Dawn of Welch, WV.,Willie Lane Lockhart of Bluewell, WV.; two sisters, Donna Myers and husband Andy of East Palatka, Fla., Helen Clemins and husband Robert of No. 10 Gary, WV.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harry and Ann Switch of Welch, WV.; his two Springer Spaniels, "Beau" and "Duke"; and the greatest two joys of his life, his granddaughters, Hanna Lockhart and Abby Carvalho; and a host of other family members and special friends.   Funeral services will be conducted Thursday evening at 7 p.m. from the Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch with Brother Rogers Hanna , S.V.D., officiating.  In keeping with his wishes, the body has been cremated.   Friends may call Thursday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Churchy, Box 130, Gary, WV. -24836.   Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Lockhart family.

IN MEMORIAM BOBBY JOE RATLIFF

Bobby Joe was born April 14, 1946, at Roderfield. He was an outstanding athlete at Gary, lettering in both football and basketball. As a senior, he was elected co-captain of the football team.

While in high school, he served as treasurer and sgt.-at-arms on the Student Council and was president of the Future Business Leaders of America. He was also a member of the Safety club and was voted most popular by his classmates in his senior year.

After graduation, he received a football scholarship to Marshall University where he attended one semester before enlisting in the Marines. He served ten months in Vietnam and held the rank of Corporal. Bobby Joe was killed on June 19, 1967 at Quang Nam, Vietnam. He was awarded, posthumously, the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Esteemed Welch Barber Passes      Pete "Bobo" Columbo, Jr. of Elbert WV passed away Sunday,  October 1, 2006 at Welch Community Hospital, following a long illness.

"Bobo" was born on March 13, 1936 in Elbert. He was the son of the late Pete and Angelina (Demetrio) Columbio. He attended the Gary Schools where he graduated from High School, before attending Barber College, He was a member of " Our Lady of Victory" Catholic church in Gary, WV, all of his life, where he served as an usher. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus of Welch. He was also a member of the Moose Club and the Barber's Union. He was an active member of the Gary High School Alumni Association, where he served as Sargent-At-Arms. " Bobo" owned and operated "Bobo" barber shop in Welch, for almost 50 years. "Bobo" and his barber shop were featured several times in the Welch Daily News, Most recently for his extensive Beer Bottle Collection. He was also an avid West Virginia University football fan, and he loved going to the football games in Morgantown. Some of his family's fondest memories of "Bobo" will be the pleasure of accompanying him on these special Saturdays at "Mountaineer Field".

In additon to his parents. he was preceded in death by two brothers, Valentino and Carlo. Survivors include sisters - Mrs. James (Rosie) Bales of Filbert, Ms. Aster Yanesh of the home and Bluefield, Miss Antoinette Columbo of the home, and Mrs. Sidney (Maria) Cure of Gary, and one sister-in-law, Helen Colombo of Elbert.

"Bobo" was the beloved uncle of six nephews, five nieces, six great nephews and four great-great nephews. Nephews include James (Coney Bales and Kenneth (Frog) Bales of Welch, Tony Columbo and Dr. Carl Colombo of York, PA, Dr. Robert Cure of Hunnington, and Gino Collumbo of Richmond, VA

Nieces are Teresa Colombo of Elbert, Cathy Patterson of Caretta, Jean Colombo of Morgantown, Carla Brown of Roanoke, VA, and Mary Colombo of Glen Easton....... Great nieces are Nikki Robrig of Abingdon, VA, Deanna Bales of Bluefield, Lisa Miller of Thompson Station, TNGabrielle Colombo of Bluefield, Danielle Colombo of York, PA, Carolyn Colombo of Glen Easton and Samantha Blackburn of Atlanta , GA.

Great nephew include Dale Patterson and Nick Patterson of Caretta, Dominic Colombo of York, PA, Julian-Dante Giglio of Elbert, Christopher Brown of Roanoke, VA and Roger Flippen Jr. of Peck's Mill, WV........ Great-great nephews are Malachi Blackburn of Atlanta, GA. Nolan Miller and Grayson Miller of Thompson Station, TN., and Braden Flippen of Peck's Mill, WV.

Friends will be received Wednesday at the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch from 6-9 p.m. A vigil-prayer service will be at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Gary with Father Tan Nguyen , S.V.D. as Celebrant.

Entombment will follow in the Waterfall Mausoleum at Bluewell. Pallbearers will be Dr. David Carr, James (Conley) bales and Kenneth (Frog) Bales, Tony Colombo, Dr. Carl Colombo, and Gino Colombo, Dr. Robert Joseph Cure, Cecil Patterson and Dale Patterson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Al Gravely, Arville Wyatt, Joe Monti, Jessie Williams, Nick Cavallo, Frank Piano, Jimmy Longo, Louiie Conte, Louie Berentes, Phillip Salcines, Jimmy Flannigan, Dan Rasi, Anthony Cavallo, and Willie Spechiek.

In Leiu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church or to the Gary High School Alumni Association. Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Colombo family....

Prudy Creola Parks Spencer ANAWALT — Prudy Creola Parks Spencer, 91, of P.O. Box 484, Anawalt, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006 at Welch Community Hospital following a long illness. Born on July 10, 1915 in Fairwood, Va., she was a daughter of the late Eli Fletcher and Fanny Mae Cooper Parks. Her family moved to Elbert from Virginia in 1919 and later moved in 1920 to No. 12 US Steel Coal Mines near Anawalt. Prudy attended the old Anawalt School and was in the fifth grade when the present one opened. She graduated Gary High School in 1934. She worked for Foreman’s Dry Goods after graduating. She married Arthur Woodrow Spencer in 1940 and became a mother and housewife to three children. She worked as a cook for Welch Emergency Hospital. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Anawalt Methodist Church most of her life where she served as Treasurer, MYF Counselor, and Sunday School Teacher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Arthur Woodrow Spencer and a brother, Delbert Fernly Parks. Survivors: Daughters: Judy and husband Rev. Steve Kowalski of Holly Ridge, N.C., Linda and husband Pastor Raymond Gilley of Anawalt; son: Ronnie Spencer of the home; brother: Clarance Parks and wife Freda of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; sister: Betty Hall and husband Richard of Scott Depot; grandchildren: Steve Kowalski, Stephanie McIntyre, Sean Kowalski, and Jessey Gilley; great-grandchildren: Stephen Kowalski, Samantha Kowalski, and Amanda McIntyre; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews plus a multitude of friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with the Rev. Steve Kowalski and Pastor Ray Gilley officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where her grandsons and friends will serve as her pallbearers. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday (today). The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Spencer family.

William James "Jimmy" Boner

Gary - William James "Jimmy" Boner, 71, of Gary, died Sunday, October 29,2006 at his residence.   Born March 30, 1935 in Elbert, he was the son of the late Samuel and Ethel Hall Boner.  He graduated from Gary High School in 1953 and was a lifelong resident of Gary.  He was of the Protestant faith, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired mechanic from U.S. Steel Mining Company in Gary.  He was an avid WVU football and Nascar fan.   Preceded in death by, in addition to his parents, brothers, Joseph, Lee, Charles and Andrew Boner and sisters, Elizabeth Boner, Mary Martin and Mildred Snowhite.   Survivors include his wife, Margie Kish Boner of Gary; one brother;  Samuel Boner of Baltimore, Maryland; one sister; Louise Cornett of Baltimore; one special sister in law, Peggy Boner of Filbert; several nieces and nephews.   Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday , November 1, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. from the Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch with the Rev. Charlene Edwards officiating.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.   Friends may call Wednesday at the funeral home from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Pallbearers will be family and friends.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 400, Gary, WV - 24836.   Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Boner family.

JERRY DEAN WOOLRIDGE DEC 28, 1954 - NOV 3, 2006 RADFORD, Va. — Jerry Dean Woolridge, 51, of Radford, formerly of Skygusty, passed away Friday, Nov. 3, 2006 of injuries received in a car accident in Bedford County, Va. Born Dec. 28, 1954 in Welch, he was the son of Josephine Woolridge of Skygusty, and the late John Lee Woolridge. He was a mechanic with Yokohama Tires in Salem, Va., and was retired from US Steel mine in Pineville. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thornton Lewis Woolridge. In addition to his mother, he will be sadly missed by one brother, Kenneth (Sonny) Woolridge and wife Marie of Skygusty; two sisters, Sandra Kay Camden and husband Carl of Forest, Va., and Carol Woolridge of Skygusty; one nephew, Thornton L. Woolridge and wife Melissa of Dublin, Va.; and aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ in Skygusty with the Revs. Roney Marrs and Katherine Marrs officiating. Burial will follow in Woolridge Family Cemetery, Skygusty. Friends may call at the church Tuesday (today) from 6-9 p.m. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The Douglas Mortuary of Welch is serving the Woolridge family.

Gary High Schoo Class of 1978 Photo> WILLIAM CHARLES "Charlie" REED GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN WELCH — William Charles "Charlie" Reed, 47, of Welch, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006 at 788 Stewart Street in Welch. Born April 7, 1959 in Welch, he was the son of Louise Parker Reed of Bluefield and the late Jessie E. Reed. He was a resident of the Welch-Gary area all his life. He was a graduate of Gary High School. He was the owner and operator of the Sterling Drive-In for the past 28 years. He was a member of A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge No. 112, a member of the Moose Lodge and the Welch Lions Club. He was of the Protestant faith. He was an avid golfer, gardener, and he loved outdoor sports. Preceded in death, in addition to his father, by one brother, James Lyndon Reed. Survivors include, in addition to his mother, his wife, Jeanne Mitros Reed of Welch; one son, Joseph Micheal "Joey" Reed of the home; one daughter, Sarah Renea Reed of the home; one brother, Larry Reed and wife Patty of Bluefield; one sister, Karen Daher and husband Chuck of Princeton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Yolanda Mitros of Welch and several very special nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 at 11 a.m. from the Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch with the Rev. Michael Brooks officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends may call Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Pallbearers will be friends of the family. Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Reed family.

DANIEL EDWARD "DANNY" GOFF, Sr. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Dec 16, 1949-Dec 8, 2006 Daniel Edward "Danny" Goff,Sr., 56, of Morganton NC died unexpectedly Friday Dec.8,2006 at his residence. Mr. Goff was born on Dec.16, 1949 in Wilcoe, WV to the late James Edward Goff and Lillie Mae Ayers Goff.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran, a former professional typist, and a drywall hanger and finisher.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by sisters, Frances Walton, Alice Spencer and an infant sister Annabell Marie Goff, a nephew Joe Powell,Jr. and a niece Sheena Powell Winkler. Survivors include a son, Daniel Edward "Eddie" Goff,Jr., Eddie's  ex-wife, Kristie F. Goff, grandchildren; Malcolm Blake Goff and Brandon Edward Goff, all of Madison Heights,Va.; sisters and brothers in law, Helen and Wilson Wilt of Lynchburg, Va, Bessie Roland of Wytheville, Va, Lois and Joe Powell,Sr. of Morganton,NC, Margie and Lloyd Mawyer of Midlothian,Va, Nancy and David New of Amherst,Va, Mary Jenkins of Lynchburg, Va.and Barbara and Don Gooden of Sunland Ca; brothers and sisters in laws, James "Jimmy" and Brenda Goff of Lynchburg,Va. and William "Bil" Goff of Lake City, FL: numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including Charles Powell, Edward Powell, Donald Powell, Benji Powell, Travis Powell; and special friends, Kenneth Saunders and Betty Johnson Goff  A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday December 11, 2006 in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese. Officiating will be the Rev. Kyle Hoilman.

Frances Donchatz Utton Frances Donchatz Utton, 64, Lakewood Ranch, died Jan. 2, 2007. She was born Feb. 9, 1942, in Anawalt, W.Va., and came to Lakewood Ranch four years ago from Rochester Hills, Mich. She was a real estate agent for Real Estate One in Rochester, Mich. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Richard I.; a daughter, Elizabeth A. Dryden of Redford, Mich.; a son, John C. of Tinley Park, Ill.; brothers Frank Donchatz and James Donchatz, both of Alexandria, Va.; and a grandson. A memorial liturgy will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sarasota. Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, handled arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.