Person Page - 405

     Harry Dean Craghead Harry Dean Craghead, 62, of Mt. Tabor Road, Beckley, died Sunday evening, March 28, 2010, at Raleigh General Hospital following a sudden illness. Born March 18, 1948, in Mullens, he was the son of the late Paul J. Craghead and Clarica Robertson Craghead. Harry was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and had attended Beckley College. For more than 38 years, Harry worked as a plumber and pipefitter throughout West Virginia, and was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 625, Charleston. Harry was a very plain and simple person; he was devoted to his family, loved his grandchildren and enjoyed working on the farm and raising his animals. Harry was a member of the AF & AM Masonic Lodge #95 of Beckley. Those left to cherish his memory, his loving and caring wife of 38 years, Donna Faye Cochran Craghead of Beckley; three children and spouses, Traci Lynn and Larry Williams of Beckley, Christopher Todd and Thelma Craghead of Forest Hill, Paul Nicholas and Kim Craghead of Speedway; his pride and joy, his eight grandchildren, Meghan, Nathan and Larry Evan Williams, Todd and Abby Craghead, Haley, Alli and Carley Craghead; sister, Monica Long and husband Harold "Frosty" of Beckley. The family has honored Harry's request; his body has been cremated.³ His Social Security Number was 233-78-2425.⁵ He was born on March 18, 1948 at Mullens, Wyoming Co., West Virginia.^5,3 He married Donna Faye Cochran circa 1972.³ Harry Dean Craghead died on March 28, 2010 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 62.^5,3

     Curtis Gerome Conner was buried at Boones Chapel Church Cemetery, Rt. 652, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,9,4 He was born on July 4, 1896 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,2,9,4,5 He married Novella Earle Lawrence on August 17, 1919 at Snow Creek, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹⁰ Curtis Gerome Conner died on March 28, 1929 at Snow Creek, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 32.^1,9,4,5

     William Early Conner was buried at Museville Christian Church Cemetery, Chatham, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.^9,2 He was born on April 28, 1898 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration Card has a birth date of May 17, 1899 and his death certificate has Apr 26, 1898.^1,9,2 He married Mary Elizabeth Carter on March 18, 1923 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁷ William Early Conner and Mary Elizabeth Carter were divorced on October 28, 1930 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹⁰ William Early Conner married Annie Mae Adkins on February 9, 1931 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.⁷ William Early Conner died on August 23, 1938 at Bassett, Virginia, at age 40.^9,2,8 He BASSETT - Funeral services for William Conner, 40, who died at home here Tuesday morning following an extended illness, were held at Newsville church, Callands, this afternoon. Interment was in the church cemetery. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Annie Conner, a son, William Jackson, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Conner of Gretna, one sister and six brothers. on August 25, 1938.⁸

     Henry Ezra Conner was buried at Highland Burial Park, Danville, Virginia.^5,7,1,2 He was born on July 10, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,2,3 He married Virgie Gladys Lawrence on February 16, 1921 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^1,8 Henry Ezra Conner and Virgie Gladys Lawrence were divorced on July 18, 1935 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.⁸ Henry Ezra Conner Henry E. Conner, a carpenter of Chatham Rt. 2, died yesterday in Martinsville General Hospital where he had been a patient for the past nine days. He was born in Floyd County July 10, 1900, a son of Leona Eanes Conner and the late John William Conner. Deceased was a member of County Line Christian Church at Callands. Survivors include his mother and the following son and daughters Mrs. Herbert Haskins and Mrs. Otie Haskins of Chatham Rt. 2, Mrs. William L. Weaver of Baltimore, Mrs. Frank Dalton of Alta Vista and H. Milton Conner of Baltimore. Also left are the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks of Danville, O. R. Conner and X. A. Conner of Martinsville Rt. 2, O. M. Conner of Martinsville, O. M. Conner of Callands and M. J. Conner of Chatham Rt. 2. Interment will be in Highland Burial Park in Danville. on March 8, 1951.⁷ He died on March 8, 1951 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 50; His gravestone has a death date of Mar 7, 1951.^1,2

     His Social Security Number was 226-10-9240.⁹ Opie Roosevelt Conner was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.^1,3,4 He was born on December 24, 1904 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,1,2,3 He married Hattie Ellen McCrickard on December 27, 1925 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^10,1,4,8 Opie Roosevelt Conner died on September 22, 1969 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 64.^1,3,4 He Opie Roosevelt Conner, 64, of Martinsville, Rt. 2, was dead Monday night when he was taken to Martinsville General Hospital. Death was from natural causes. Burial will be in Roselawn Burial Park. He was born in Floyd County to John and Leona Eanes Conner. He worked for Pulaski Furniture Co. for 35 years and retired about a year ago. He was a member of the Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Ellen McCrickard Conner; two daughters, Mrs. Thalia Horsley of Martinsville, Rt. 4, and Mrs. Norma Jean Smith of Reidsville, N.C. Rt. 1; two sons, Ernest C. Conner of Ridgeway, Rt. 2, and Raymond A. Conner of Martinsville, Rt. 2; a sister, Mrs. Lizzie Horton of Danville; and four brothers, Otha A. Conner of Kenbridge, Maynard Conner of Chatham, Morris Conner of Callands, and Zin Conner of Martinsville, Rt 2. on September 24, 1969.⁴

     Exzenopher A. "Zin" Conner was buried at Boones Chapel Church Cemetery, Rt. 652, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,3,11,5 His Social Security Number was 225-26-5052.¹² He was born on December 7, 1902 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His death certificate has a birth year of 1901 and the SSDI has 1903.^3,11,12,4 He married Hester White Adkins on June 8, 1932 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,11,9,5 Exzenopher A. "Zin" Conner died on November 12, 1973 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 70.^3,5 He ROCKY MOUNT — Exzenopher “Zin" Conner, 71, passed away Monday in a Roanoke hospital. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Hester Adkins Conner; six daughters, Mrs. Minnie C. Tucker, Mrs. Bernice Gauldin, Mrs. Catherine Johnston, Mrs. Mary Riddle, Mrs. Margie Louis, all of Martinsville; Mrs. James A. Purcell, Rocky Mount; two sons, Mr. John R. Conner, Roanoke; Mr. James M. Conner, Rocky Mount; one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Horton, Raleigh, N.C; three brothers, Mr. Opha of Kimbridge, Mr. Morris Conner, Mr. Maynard Conner, both of Chatham; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandson. Funeral services will be conducted at the Boones Chapel Church of the Brethem. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. on November 13, 1973.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 224-03-9668.⁸ Maynard John Conner was buried at Hillcrest Burial Park, Chatham, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.⁹ He was born on October 18, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,9,2 He married Mary Louise Haskins, daughter of Daniel Bedford Haskins and Anna Custer, on April 7, 1934 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.^9,1,7 Maynard John Conner died on April 3, 1984 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, at age 74.^10,9

     His Social Security Number was 228-07-3281.¹¹ Oakley Morris "Okie" Conner was buried at Highland Burial Park, Danville, Virginia.^2,3,10 He was born on May 9, 1906 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia; His draft card has a birth year of 1907.^11,2,3,12,10 He married Rosa Mae "Penny" "Rosie" Adkins on June 29, 1933 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,9,10,13 Oakley Morris "Okie" Conner died on February 16, 1987 at Danville, Virginia, at age 80.^2,3,10 He The funeral for O. Morris Conner, 80, Route 1, Callands will be conducted Thursday at the Highland Burial Park. Conner died Monday night in The Memorial Hospital of Danville. Born May 9, 1906, in Floyd County, he was a son of the late John William Conner and the late Leona Eanes Conner. He was married to Penny Adkins Conner, who survives. He was a member of the Christian Tabernacle. Prior to his retirement he was employed by American Furniture Co. in Martinsville. In addition to his widow, he is survived by two daughters, Lois C. Collins, Callands, and Brenda C. Radford, Mount Hermon; two sons, Richard B. (Pete) Conner and Burton Okey Conner, both of Callands; one sister, Elizabeth Horton of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. on February 18, 1987.¹⁰

     Otha A. "Otho" Conner was buried at Green Lawn Cemetery, Hurt, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 226-10-8562.⁸ He was born on December 11, 1912 at Callands, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia; His draft card has a birth date od Dec 4, 1912.^8,1,2,3,5 He married Lillie Bell Atkinson on December 30, 1937 at Chatham, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 Otha A. "Otho" Conner died on June 5, 1985 at Hurt, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, at age 72; His gravestone, draft card, and death certificate have his name as Otho A. Conner.^2,3

     Her Social Security Number was 224-28-7139.⁹ Zola Elizabeth "Lizzy" Conner was buried at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1623 North Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Co., North Carolina.¹⁰ She was born on May 3, 1915 at Callands, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia; The SSDI has a birth date of May 22, 1915.^9,1 As of March 31, 1934,her married name was Brooks.⁶ She married Irona Chesley Brooks on March 31, 1934 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.⁶ As of September 14, 1962,her married name was Horton.² Zola Elizabeth "Lizzy" Conner married John Osten Horton on September 14, 1962 at Danville, Virginia.² Zola Elizabeth "Lizzy" Conner died on January 18, 2005 at Wake Co., North Carolina, at age 89.⁹

     Elizabeth Hannah "Lizzie" Wade was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,2 She was born on October 20, 1885 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 She married James Abraham "Jim" Eanes, son of Joseph William Graves "Joe" Eanes and Elizabeth Jane "Eliza" "Jennie" Craghead, on April 8, 1905.^3,1 As of April 8, 1905,her married name was Eanes.¹ Elizabeth Hannah "Lizzie" Wade died on May 26, 1963 at Radford, Virginia, at age 77.^3,2

     His Social Security Number was 230-40-8804.⁹ John William Eanes Sr. was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹⁰ He married Sylvia Mae Ridpath, daughter of Teaton C. Ridpath.^1,11,12 John William Eanes Sr. was born on February 3, 1906 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^10,9,3,4 He married Anna Elizabeth Russell on May 2, 1932 at Battle Swamp, Maryland.¹³ John William Eanes Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Russell were divorced on May 5, 1941 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹³ John William Eanes Sr. died on June 19, 2001 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 95.^9,1 He EANES, John William Sr., 95, of Christiansburg, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at the New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg. He was born in the Alleghany Springs section of Montgomery County, son of the late James Eanes and Elizabeth Wade Eanes. Mr. Eanes was a businessman in Christiansburg for over 60 years. He had served on the Christiansburg Town Council, was a 32 nd degree mason, and owner of the local Oldsmobile dealership for over 20 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Ridpath Eanes and an infant son, Ronald L(ee) Eanes. Surviving are a daughter, Grace E. Meads, Birmingham, AL, a son, John W. Eanes, Jr. and wife, Judi Landrum Eanes of Christiansburg, VA, three grandsons, Mark S. Slusher of Atlanta, GA, John W. Eanes, III (Trey) of Smyrna, GA and J. Todd Eanes, Dillingham, Alaska; and four great-granddaughters. A graveside service will be in Sunset Cemetery. McDaniel Lodge #86 AF & AM will hold graveside Masonic Rites. on June 20, 2001.¹

     Sylvia Mae Ridpath married John William Eanes Sr., son of James Abraham "Jim" Eanes and Elizabeth Hannah "Lizzie" Wade.^1,2,3 Her Social Security Number was 229-01-3344.⁵ Sylvia Mae Ridpath was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,2,3 Her married name was Eanes. She was born on October 17, 1909 at Radford, Virginia.^5,6,7,3 She died on January 6, 1994 at Radford, Virginia, at age 84.^5,6,2,3 She EANES, Sylvia Ridpath, 84, of Christiansburg, died Thursday, January 6, 1994 in Radford Community Hospital. Surviving are her husband, John W. Eanes Sr; one son, John W. Eanes Jr., Christiansburg; a stepdaughter, Grace Meads, Decatur, Ga; three grandsons, John W. Eanes III, Enschele, Holland, Jeffrey Todd Eanes, McCoy, Mark Slusher, Decatur, Ga; one brother, Buford Ridpath, Maryland; two sisters, Daphine Smith, Radford, Grace Farmer, Fairlawn. Burial in Sunset Cemetery. on January 7, 1994.²

     Hester E. Martin was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on September 12, 1886 at Virginia.⁴ As of 1907,her married name was Wood.² She married William Jefferson "Jeff" Wood in 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2 Hester E. Martin married Joseph Ballard "Joe" Martin on August 13, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Hester E. Martin married Asa Albert Cochran, son of William Harvey Cochran and Mildred Jane "Millie" DeHart, on August 26, 1962 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of August 26, 1962,her married name was Cockram. Hester E. Martin died on March 12, 1972 at age 85.⁴

     Lee Ronald Eanes was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on August 19, 1946 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,2 He died on August 28, 1946 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴

     Grace Elizabeth Eanes Grace Eanes Meads, 88 died at her home on September 21, 2022 after a lengthy illness. Preceding her in death were her son, Mark Slusher; father, John Eanes Sr., mother, Anna Russe. She is survived by her brother, John Eanes, Jr. (Judi); granddaughters, Jennifer Matuszyk and Jessica McPherson both of McDonaugh, GA; cousin and caretaker, Shirlene Long (Buford); and other nieces and nephews.⁴ She was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁶ She and Walter Smedley Meads Jr. were divorced.⁷ Grace Elizabeth Eanes and Leroy Gustav Eck were divorced.³ Grace Elizabeth Eanes was born on April 17, 1934 at North East, Cecil Co., Maryland.^3,6 As of November 24, 1951,her married name was Slusher.² She married Julian Norfleet Slusher Jr. on November 24, 1951 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 Grace Elizabeth Eanes and Julian Norfleet Slusher Jr. were divorced on May 18, 1964 at Mecklenburg Co., North Carolina.⁸ As of April 8, 1966,her married name was Eck.⁹ Grace Elizabeth Eanes married Leroy Gustav Eck on April 8, 1966 at Mecklenburg Co., North Carolina.⁹ As of August 30, 1985,her married name was Meads.³ Grace Elizabeth Eanes married Walter Smedley Meads Jr. on August 30, 1985 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Grace Elizabeth Eanes died on September 21, 2022 at Virginia at age 88.⁴

     Walter Smedley Meads Jr. was buried at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, 80 Hovey Road, Pensacola, Escambia Co., Florida.^4,2,5 His Social Security Number was 424-20-3132.⁶ He and Grace Elizabeth Eanes were divorced.² Walter Smedley Meads Jr. was born on September 27, 1926 at Grady, Montgomery Co., Alabama.^1,4,3,5,6,7 He married Grace Elizabeth Eanes, daughter of John William Eanes Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Russell, on August 30, 1985 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹ Walter Smedley Meads Jr. died on October 20, 2009 at Foley, Baldwin Co., Alabama, at age 83.^4,2,5,6,7 He Walter S. Meads Jr., who retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, died Oct. 20 in Foley. He was 83. Meads, a native of Montgomery, was a resident of Lillian. He spent 30 years in the Marine Corps and attained the rank of sergeant major. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he also served three tours of duty during the Vietnam era. He received a number of medals and decorations, including the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He was a life member of American Legion Post No. 26, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps Drill Instructors. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Meads of Lillian; one daughter, Elizabeth Styron of Riverdale, Ga; two sons, Walter S. Meads III of Lillian and James Mark Meads of McDonough, Ga; two stepchildren, Richard Wilson of Anniston, Ala., and Elyse Mize of Sacramento, Calif; one brother, Buddy Meads of Mobile; four grandchildren; and three step grandchildren. Burial with full military honors will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery on October 29, 2009.²

     Her Social Security Number was 224-01-2513.⁷ Ollie Florence Eanes was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, Rt. 11 between Dublin and Radford, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^8,9 She was born on February 24, 1908 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,2 As of June 23, 1928,her married name was Weeks.⁵ She married Earl James Weeks on June 23, 1928 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,3 Ollie Florence Eanes died on December 25, 1996 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 88.^8,7 She WEEKS, Ollie Eanes, 88, of Radford, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 1996 at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Roanoke. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Margarette Elizabeth and Rev. William P. Shiflett, Christiansburg; one granddaughter and husband, Sandra S. and John Lowman, Radford; three great-grandchildren, Christi and James Blair, Dublin, David Altizer, Radford, John and Beth Lowman, Durham, N.C; one brother, John W. Eanes, Sr., Chri stiansburg; one sister, Eva May Kelly, Knoxville, Tenn. Graveside services will be held Friday, December 27, 1996, at 11 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. on December 26, 1996.⁸

     Earl James Weeks was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, Rt. 11 between Dublin and Radford, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^2,5,4 His Social Security Number was 223-14-1879.⁶ He was born on June 13, 1897 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,2,3,7 He married Ollie Florence Eanes, daughter of James Abraham "Jim" Eanes and Elizabeth Hannah "Lizzie" Wade, on June 23, 1928 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,4 Earl James Weeks died on November 27, 1986 at Radford, Virginia, at age 89.^6,2 He Mr. Earl James Weeks, 89, went to be with his Lord in a Radford, VA hospital. He was a retired Captain of the City of Radford Fire Department. Surviving are his wife Ollie Florence Eanes Weeks of Radford, one daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Weeks Shiflett and husband Reverend W. P. Shiflett of Roanoke, VA, one granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Sandra Shiflett Loman and John Lowman of Radford, three great-grandchildren, Christi Altizer, David Altizer and John Lowman Jr., all of Radford. Interment followed in Highland Memory Gardens. on November 28, 1986.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 227-56-5743.⁷ Minnie Sue Eanes was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,8 She was born on February 13, 1910 at Pilot, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,1,8 As of January 9, 1931,her married name was Wirt.⁴ She married William Eugene "Gene" Wirt on January 9, 1931 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,9,4,10 Minnie Sue Eanes died on July 15, 1993 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 83.^7,1,8 She WIRT, Minnie Eanes, 83, of Christiansburg, died Thursday, July 15, 1993, in Montgomery Regional Hospital. Born in Pilot, Va. on Feb. 13, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Jim & Lizzie Eanes. A member of the Cambria Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Eugene Wirt. Surviving are one daughter, Barbara Jean Barnes, Lanexa, Va; five sons, Bobby Eugene Wirt, Donald Lee Wirt, Allen Insley Wirt, all of Christiansburg, James Lloyd Wirt and Henry Edward Wirt, both of Roanoke; two sisters, Ollie E. Weeks, Roanoke, Eva E. Kelley, Knoxville, Tenn; one brother, John Eanes, Sr., Christiansburg; 13 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. on July 17, 1993.¹

     His Social Security Number was 224-03-3858.⁸ William Eugene "Gene" Wirt was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,9 He was born on February 20, 1911 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,4,9,6,7 He married Minnie Sue Eanes, daughter of James Abraham "Jim" Eanes and Elizabeth Hannah "Lizzie" Wade, on January 9, 1931 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4 William Eugene "Gene" Wirt died on September 28, 1984 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 73.^8,4,9

     Robert Eugene "Bobby" Wirt was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ He married Waltraud Magdalene Anneliese "Val" Huenken.^2,5 Robert Eugene "Bobby" Wirt married Ingeborg Martha Johanna Unknown.⁵ Robert Eugene "Bobby" Wirt was born on July 29, 1931 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁶ He died on June 5, 2017 at Blacksburg, Virginia, at age 85.⁵ He Bobby Eugene (Bob) Wirt, 85, died peacefully on Monday evening, June 5, 2017, at The Crossings At Blacksburg and entered into his Eternal home in Heaven to a sweet and glorious reunion with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his Heavenly family and friends after a long illness of Alzheimer's Disease and Congestive Heart Failure. He was preceded in death by his parents William Eugene and Minnie Era (Eanes) Wirt; wife, Ingeborg Martha Johanna Wirt of Germany and America; wife, Waltraud Magdalene Annaliese Wirt of Germany and America; son, Ronald Lee Wirt; brother, Henry Edward Wirt; brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. George William Barnes; infant nephew, Derek Wayne Wirt (son of Don and Wanda Wirt). Left to cherish his memory: sister, Barbara Jean Barnes; brother, James Lloyd (Elizabeth) Wirt; brother, Donald Lee (Wanda) Wirt; brother, Allen Insley Wirt; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and close friend, Connie B. Dudding and her family. Upon graduation from Christiansburg High School in 1949, he joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and served our Country in the military for 22 1/2 years retiring in 1973 earning the rank of SMSGT. He was stationed at Headquarters, United States Air Force, Europe, located at Lindsey Air Station, Wiesbaden, Germany, and United States Air Force Ramstein Air Base, Germany, while also being deployed to Italy and Vietnam. He was awarded The Bronze Star Medal in Vietnam by Brigadier General Bryce Poe for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force in Vietnam from July 8, 1969, to July 8, 1970. Prior to his departure from Vietnam, he was also awarded the Vietnamese Air Force Medal for his advice and assistance to them during the same period. He received many other awards and commendations during his military career for his dedication in his service to our Country. Early in his military career, he served one tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Station in Roanoke, Va. He was a very friendly, giving, loving, kind, and generous person. He was a life long member of Cambria Baptist Church. After retiring from the USAF, he moved back to Christiansburg and worked as custodian at the Church for many years. He loved his Lord, his Church, his job, and the many friendships he made there over the years. Words cannot express our family's thanks and appreciation to the staff at The Crossings At Blacksburg and to Medi Home Health and Hospice staff and volunteers for their excellent tender loving care, kindness, and compassion shown to Bob while a patient in the Harmony Square Memory Care section at The Crossings. Heartfelt thanks also to Medi Home Health and Hospice staff for their Veteran Pinning Ceremony party for Bob at The Crossings on May 3, 2017, with family and friends attending and U.S. Navy Officers Kelly J.S. Gilbert and Dan J. Angle who presented him with a lapel flag pin and certificate to honor and acknowledge his years of military service and sacrifices. Special Thanks to Dr. Scott R. Boerth MD and his staff, and Dr. Daniel A. Osimani MD and his staff for their excellent care of Bob over the years. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. Many, many thanks to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Honor Guard, Goldsboro, NC for performing the military graveside rites to honor Bob's military service to the United States of America. on June 8, 2017.⁵