Person Page - 524

     Samuel Underwood was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born in 1855 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He married Nancy Ann Gillespie on June 4, 1873 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3

     Nancy Ann Gillespie was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on June 6, 1850 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Samuel Underwood on June 4, 1873 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1 As of June 4, 1873,her married name was Underwood. Nancy Ann Gillespie died on February 19, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 84.^1,2

     James Harrison "Sarge" Glass was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 223-30-8905.⁵ He was born on January 17, 1929 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3 He married Barbara Jean Martin, daughter of Camron Tazwell "Cam" Martin and Susie Ruth "Granny" Stump, on November 21, 1953 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,3,7 James Harrison "Sarge" Glass died on March 8, 1999 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 70.^1,2,4 He GLASS, James Harrison, ("Sarge"), 70, of Salem, passed away Monday March 8, 1999 after a long battle with Alzheimers disease. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be sadly missed. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, worked for Rowe Furniture Company for 32 years, and Roanoke County Schools for almost 14 years. He was a charter and a life member of the Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie F. and Mary K. Glass; a brother, Billy G. Glass; mother-in-law, Ruth S. Martin. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara M. Glass; three sons, Michael R. and Bonnie Glass, Ronald W. Glass, and James E. and Rebecca Glass, all of Salem; two daughters, Anne and David L. Paitsel of Roanoke, Rebecca Leigh Glass of Salem; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles K. and Gladys Glass, Nelson and Joyce Glass, all of Salem; sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Bill Orick of Tennessee; six grandchildren, Stephen Palmer, Steven and Sylvia Paitsel, Darren, Amanda and Kayla Glass; a brother-in-law, James A. and Marion Martin of Vinton; sisters-in-law, Martha A. Thomas of North Carolina, Sandra M. Dawley of Salem; also numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on March 10, 1999.²

     Michael Ray Glass Michael R. "Pappy" Glass, May 29, 1954 - June 4, 2023. Michael Ray Glass (Pappy), 69, of Salem, met his loving wife Bonnie at the pearly gates Sunday, June 4, 2023. Mike was also met by his parents Harrison and Barbara, and best friend Kevin Sheppard. He was an outstanding father, husband, brother, friend, mentor, and Firefighter. Those remaining to carry out Mikes' legacy on are his son, Stephen Palmer (Stephanie); grand-dog, Ace; his baby sister, Becky Ayers (Justin); special nephews, Jase, and Ryan Ayers; brothers, James and Ronnie Glass; Sister, Anne Paitsel (David); special nieces, Sylvia Paitsel (Cedrick); great niece, Leia; and special aunt, Sandra Dawley. Other special family members include Daniel, Leilani, Leigh Ann, Lena, and Dakota Ayers, along with many other nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. When Mike was a young boy, he was afraid of fire trucks. It didn't take long for Michael to conquer his fear and follow in his father's footsteps, becoming a Firefighter. Mike dedicated his life to the Fire Service and serving his community. He started his journey as a volunteer firefighter, just like his own father, at Fort Lewis Fire Department in 1978. After holding several positions as treasurer and Lieutenant, he retired after 41 years of service in 2019. During his time with Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire Department, he organized the Chicken BBQ fundraisers twice a year and received several Firefighter of the Year awards. Mike became a career firefighter with Salem Fire Department on March 19, 1987, where he obtained his EMT certification and his Hazmat Technician, and served as part of the Regional HazMat team. During Mike's adventures with Salem Fire, he came to be known as "Pappy." On February 1, 2008, Mike retired after 20 years as a Senior Firefighter/ EMT. Mike's lifelong commitment to expanding his knowledge of Fire services helped grow his career. He regularly attended classes, holding many certifications, as well as being a Virginia Department of Fire Programs instructor. Mike was influential in starting Roanoke County's Volunteer Firefighter Academy, where he continued as the Lead Instructor. Mike's desire to share his knowledge and passion for the fire service led him to start a second fire academy in conjunction with the Elliston Fire Department. Mike served as a mentor to countless Volunteer Firefighters throughout Southwestern Virginia through his teaching, whether it was in EVOC, Firefighter 1 and 2, or Hazmat. He has left a lasting impression on so many lives through his interactions and instruction over the years. Mike also served a short time as a volunteer with Elliston Fire Department in the 1990s. Mike was elected as an honorary member of the Department in 2021, for his time and dedication he gave to the Elliston Fire Academies. One of Mikes favorite pastimes was making trips to The Smokey Mountains with Bonnie, Steve, and Stephanie, as well as other friends. Mike also has a love for dogs. Whether it was the pups waiting for him every year to get their special treat on the Santa Run with Fort Lewis, or his own dogs, both named Blue. Mike always had a special place in his heart for children. He always made sure his wallet had a few dollar bills to hand out to any little ones he saw, especially Jase and Ryan. One thing that could always be said about Mike was the size of his heart. He was known for doing anything he could for anyone. Mike, most importantly, filled the role as a father. Mike stepped into this role when he was needed most with no questions asked. Mike became Pops to Steve when he married Bonnie. He also filled the void Becky felt during their father's illness, and after. In the month before Mike passed, we were gifted with two precious memories. Mike received a special visit from fellow firefighter Lt. Dana Lacy with Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, and her crew on Wagon 7. Dana stopped by just to say Hi. Mike whispered to her "take me to the truck." The staff got Mike into his wheelchair, and they took him to the truck. A dedicated Firefighter, even at his most vulnerable, still wanted to be with "the truck." Last Tuesday, Alisha, Faith, and other TerraBella staff took Mike with them delivering meals to Salem Fire Station 1 and to the career staff at Fort Lewis for EMS week. Mike was able to visit and shake hands with old friends. The smiles he shed that day will forever be cherished. We could not thank TerraBella Director of Nursing, Alisha and her daughter, Faith enough for capturing these moments for us to cherish. Mike is the definition of a true servant. He will be greatly missed by his family and so many others that knew him. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, in Roanoke, where firefighter last rights will be conducted. The family will be honoring Michael's years of dedication to the Fire Service with a full firefighter funeral. First responders attending the funeral service should wear their Class A uniforms for a sea of Blue to honor Michael's legacy. All Fire apparatus are welcome.³ He was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.³ He was born on May 29, 1954 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,4 He married Bonnie Sue Palmer on June 2, 1990 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 Michael Ray Glass died on June 4, 2023 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 69.³

     Bonnie Sue Palmer Bonnie Sue Glass, 67, of Salem, gained her heavenly wings on Sunday, October 23, 2022. She was born on Wednesday, May 4, 1955, to the late Clarence and Ruby Craighead Palmer. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by sister, Peggy Palmer, and infant sister Ruby Jane Palmer. Bonnie was the happiest when she was serving her community. She was a 911 dispatcher, worked at Mount Regis, served as an EMT for the Fort Lewis Rescue Squad, Ladies Auxiliary Member, and honorary lifetime member for the Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire Department. Bonnie was the original recipient of the Bonnie Sue Glass Award. She was such an inspiration to the members of the Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire, so much so that an award in her name was established and given to a citizen that volunteered to help the department with events. Those left to cherish in her memory is her loving husband, Michael Ray Glass; son, Stephen Palmer (Stephanie); grandson, Ace; sister, Margaret Herbert; special sister in-law, Becky Ayers (Justin); nephews, Jase and Ryan; special nieces, Robin Akers (Dale), Regina Coles, Sylvia Paitsel and daughter Leia; Aunts, Edith Epperly (Ray), Sandra Dawley; sister-in-law, Ann Paitsel (David), Brothers-in-law, Ronnie Glass, James Glass; numerous other family members and friends. A special thanks to the nursing staff at Pheasant Ridge Nursing Home for the special care given over the last 2 years and an extra special thank you to Debra, Liz, Vicky, and Sunday Ewald who was a special roommate and companion to Bonnie over the past 2 years.² She was born on May 4, 1955 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3 She married Michael Ray Glass, son of James Harrison "Sarge" Glass and Barbara Jean Martin, on June 2, 1990 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of June 2, 1990,her married name was Glass.¹ Bonnie Sue Palmer died on October 23, 2022 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 67.²

     Charles McKinley Coates Sr. was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on January 9, 1860 at West Virginia.^4,1 He married Monia Ruth "Mona" Poff, daughter of William Riley "Billy" Poff and Virginia Ann "Jennie" Carr, on September 10, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,6 Charles McKinley Coates Sr. died on December 13, 1940 at age 80.⁴