Person Page - 712

     Ralph Wilbur Blevins was buried at Anderson Memorial Gardens, 640 Oliver Springs Highway, Clinton, Anderson Co., Tennessee.⁶ His Social Security Number was 235-30-9249.⁷ He was born on December 4, 1923 at Crumpler, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^7,1,3,4,5,8 He married Stella Frances Kingrea, daughter of Eldridge Mullens Kingrea and Lucy Jane Conner, on October 27, 1951 at Wytheville, Wythe Co., Virginia.^9,10,2,11 Ralph Wilbur Blevins died on March 6, 2006 at Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee, at age 82.^7,1,8 He Ralph Wilbur Blevins, 82, of Oak Ridge, and formerly of Reseda, Calif., died Monday, March 6, 2006, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville. He was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Crumpler, W.Va., to parents George Washington Blevins and Lillie Mae Hall Blevins. He was one of 14 children. Mr. Blevins was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea and World War II, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was very proud of his country, his flag and everything they stand for. He was also a member of the Teamsters Local 495. Mr. Blevins worked for 29 years with Hertz Rent-a-Car in California where he was a mechanic, retiring in 1989 to enjoy life with his family. He was known for his sense of humor and his positive outlook on life. His family was very important to him and they were always number one with him. In addition to his parents and several siblings, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Ralph Blevins, in 1984. on March 7, 2006.¹

     John Thomas "Junior" Nixon Jr. was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on June 5, 1911 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,3 He married Ruby Irene Akers on December 23, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ John Thomas "Junior" Nixon Jr. died on November 22, 1968 at age 57.⁴

     George W. Janney was buried at Vest Cemetery, 432 Cypress Drive SE, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on January 27, 1849 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,1 He married Ruth A. Smith on December 12, 1878 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 George W. Janney died on September 12, 1914 at age 65.²

     Ruth A. Smith was buried at Vest Cemetery, 432 Cypress Drive SE, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on January 15, 1851 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married George W. Janney on December 12, 1878 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 As of December 12, 1878,her married name was Janney.¹ Ruth A. Smith died on December 17, 1927 at age 76.²

     Elmon Leroy Austin was buried at Huffville Union Church Cemetery, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁵ His Social Security Number was 228-16-3170.⁶ He was born on November 11, 1920 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5,1 He married Margie Magdalene Epperly, daughter of Hiley Lee Epperly and Blanche Woodruff Sumner, on November 1, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Elmon Leroy Austin died on September 18, 1978 at age 57.^6,5

     Her Social Security Number was 228-03-1515.⁴ Marie A. Sowers was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,5 She was born on February 2, 1918 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1,4 She married Clarence Edwin Austin, son of Shirley Lee Austin and Hester Elizabeth "Hettie" Clower, on October 2, 1948 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,5 As of October 2, 1948,her married name was Austin. Marie A. Sowers died on January 19, 1996 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 77.^2,5,4 She AUSTIN, Marie Sowers, 77, of Floyd, died Friday morning, January 19, 1996, at Montgomery County Regional Hospital. She was the widow of Clarence E. Austin. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Allen Smith, Pilot, Phyllis and Luther Bower, Floyd; five grandchildren, Joe Bower, Floyd, Christy Bower, Cookville, Tenn., Sherry Sue Smith, Anna Lee Smith, Lori Beth Smith, all of Pilot; one sister and brother-in-law, Glada and Nelson Hale, Check; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Vera Sowers, Clinton and Illene Sowers, all of Christiansburg, Oscar B. (Tom) and Imogene Sowers, Floyd; three sisters-in-law, Elva Sowers, Allene Epperly, both of Floyd, Garnett Ghamo, California; several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, Floyd, with the Rev. Lawrence Nuckles and the Rev. Elbert L. Naff officiating. Interment in the Red Oak Grove Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Wood Funeral Home. on January 20, 1996.⁵

     Clarence Edwin Austin was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6 He was born on April 24, 1915 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He married Marie A. Sowers, daughter of Fitzhugh Lee "Fitz" Sowers and Ruby Alvie Howery, on October 2, 1948 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,6,7 Clarence Edwin Austin died on August 11, 1990 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 75.^6,1 He Clarence Edwin Austin, age 75, died Saturday, August 11, 1990, in Montgomery Regional Hospital. He was a veteran of World War II, a retired plumber of 26 years and co-owner of Sowers & Austin. Surviving are his wife, Marie Sowers Austin, Floyd; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Allen Smith, Pilot; Phyllis and Luther Bower, Floyd; five grandchildren; two sisters, Allene Epperly, Floyd; Garnett Ghamo, California. Funeral services will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. in Wood Funeral Home with the Rev. Alfred Furr and the Rev. Elbert L. Naff officiating with interment in the Red Oak Grove Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday at Wood Funeral Home, Floyd. on August 12, 1990.⁶

     Lee Roy "Leroy" Conner was born on June 14, 1873 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,2,3 He married Mary F. Burnett on December 12, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,3 Lee Roy "Leroy" Conner died on July 30, 1958 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 85.³

     Mary F. Burnett was buried at Conner Burial Ground, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She was born on September 21, 1880 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Lee Roy "Leroy" Conner on December 12, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 As of December 12, 1901,her married name was Conner.² Mary F. Burnett died on April 10, 1917 at Burks Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 36.³

     Eliza Elizabeth Poff was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on January 11, 1819 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ She married Adam Furrow, son of Mathias Furrow and Barbara Weaver, on December 17, 1835 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of December 17, 1835,her married name was Furrow. Eliza Elizabeth Poff died on November 18, 1883 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 64; Died of fever.⁵

     Marshall Vernon Conner was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, Rt. 11 between Dublin and Radford, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^8,3,5,9 His Social Security Number was 234-22-1892.¹⁰ He was born on February 21, 1922 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{11,1,10,8,5,6,9,7,12} He married Oweeda Pearl Gearheart, daughter of Arthur Curtis "Curt" Gearheart and Pearlie Jane Vest, on July 5, 1941 at Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{11,1,2,3,4,13,5} Marshall Vernon Conner died on August 14, 1973 at Pulaski, Pulaski Co., Virginia, at age 51.^1,3,8,5,9,7 He Marshall Vernon Conner, age 51, was dead on arrival at a Pulaski hospital, Tuesday, August 14, 1973. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Oweeda Gearheart Conner; two daughters, Mrs. Brenda G. Pickett, Hawaii, Mrs. Thelma G. Ratcliff, Pulaski; three sons, William E. Conner, Dublin, David *Y. Conner, Draper, Tony D. Conner, Pulaski; eight grandchildren, and his mother Mrs. Rosie Conner, Check. Interment at Highland Memorial Gardens, Dublin. on August 23, 1973.³

     Oweeda Pearl Gearheart was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, Rt. 11 between Dublin and Radford, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^2,6 She was born on May 27, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,2,6,8 She married Marshall Vernon Conner, son of Rosa Dove "Rosie" Conner, on July 5, 1941 at Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{1,3,7,9,10,2,11} As of July 5, 1941,her married name was Conner. Oweeda Pearl Gearheart died on March 20, 2017 at Pulaski Co., Virginia, at age 93.^2,6 She Oweeda Gearheart Conner, 93, of Thornspring Road in Pulaski was allowed to "go home" on Monday, March 20, 2017. She was born in Floyd County on May 27, 1923 to the late Curtis and Pearl Gearheart. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Tex Conner and two special sons, David Vernon Conner and William Earl Conner. Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Lynwood, Wayne and Lewis Gearheart of Floyd, and a special sister, Ethelene Vest of Pilot. She was a hardworking homemaker all of her life. She loved to bake, and cook for her family. She also sewed, loved her flowers, and had many gardens that she used to can fruits and vegetables to feed her family. She was a member of Dora Highway Baptist Church, and loved the people there. She was always willing to help her neighbors and run with her children. She is survived by one son and daughter in law, Tony and Sabrina Conner of Dublin. Also two daughters and son in laws, Brenda and Larry Pickett of Lynchburg, and Thelma and Doug Ratcliff of Pulaski. Also two daughter-in-laws, Bonnie Mays of Christiansburg, and Sue Conner of Pulaski. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren, Todd Conner, Tammy Conner, Wendy and Charlie Roope, Matt and Sandy Conner all of Pulaski, Va. Also, Bud and Christine Pickett of Rustburg, Va. and Rusty Pickett and Maggie of Woodbridge, Va., Douglas Ratcliff II of Roanoke, and Sonny Ratcliff of New York, N.Y. Also Shannon and Brett Downey, and Emily and Thomas Gravley of Pulaski. Also Lucas and Amy Conner of Clifton Forge, and Jennifer and Jeff Capehart of Christiansburg. She was also blessed with 23 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Interment following at Highland Memory Gardens Dublin. on March 22, 2017.²

     Clista Ella "Clisty" Martin was buried at Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^6,3,7 She was born on February 16, 1889 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3,7 She married James Washington Conner, son of James W. Conner and Mary Susan Via, on April 18, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁵ As of April 18, 1906,her married name was Conner. As of July 12, 1943,her married name was Brotherton.⁸ Clista Ella "Clisty" Martin married Frank George Brotherton on July 12, 1943 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^8,9,2 Clista Ella "Clisty" Martin died on June 25, 1966 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 77.^6,3,7 She Funeral Services for Mrs. Clista Ella Conner Brotherton, 67, of 916 Bramwell Road, Bluefield, will be conducted Tuesday with burial in Monte Vista Cemetery. Mrs. Brotherton, native of Floyd County, Va., died Saturday night in Bluefield Sanitarium. She was a member of Grace Methodist Church. Pallbearers: John C. Harry. Jr., Richard Lawerence, Benny Medley, Eddie Davis, Bill Davis and Allen Hamblin. Members of the Sunday school class at Grace Methodist will carry flowers. on June 27, 1966.⁶

     William Earl "Billy" Conner was born on July 7, 1942 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,5,6,9 He married Margaret Sue Horton on August 10, 1963 at Pulaski, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^4,6,8 William Earl "Billy" Conner and Margaret Sue Horton were divorced on July 27, 1979 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.¹⁰ William Earl "Billy" Conner died on July 1, 2015 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 72.⁵ He William (Billy) Earl Conner, 72, died peacefully at LewisGale Hospital on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. He was born July 7, 1942, in Pilot, but lived most of his life in Pulaski. He was the first of five children born to Marshall Vernon and Oweeda Gearheart Conner. He attended Pulaski High School and later received many certifications and licenses in water filtration management from various local community colleges. Billy was a retired employee of the Town of Pulaski with 30 years of service. Prior to accepting employment with the town he was employed by Burlington Industries for many years. He was an avid bowler and instrumental in getting several current league bowlers started in the sport as children. He was an accomplished painter, wood craftsman and gardener. He was never afraid to try his hand at anything and usually mastered it. Billy was preceded in death by his father, Marshall V. Conner; his brother, David V. Conner; and his grandson, Darrin Matthew Conner. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Sue Conner; sons, Jeffrey T. Conner and Matthew T. Conner and wife, Sandy; and daughters, Tami G. Conner and Wendy B. Roope and husband, Charlie. He leaves to cherish his memory grandsons, Christopher J. Conner, Brandon M. Conner, Robert (Andy) Millirons and his wife, Teresa, Larry (Chaz) Roope, Zachary T. Roope, Dustin (Alex) Roope and Dylan T. Conner. He also leaves behind great grandchildren, Nicholas R. Conner, Logan Rice, Keyton Warden, Brooke A. Millirons and Gavin M. Conner. He is also survived by his mother, Oweeda G. Conner; brother, Tony D. Conner and wife, Sabrina; sisters, Brenda J. Pickett and husband, Larry and Thelma G. Ratcliffe and husband, Doug. He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces and many family members and friends. on July 4, 2015.⁵

     James Washington Conner was buried at Bethel Cemetery, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.⁵ He was born on September 16, 1887 at Blackwater, Franklin Co., Virginia; His draft card and obituary have a birth date of Oct 16, 1887.^5,6,3 He married Clista Ella "Clisty" Martin, daughter of James Asa Martin and Sarah Ellen Keith, on April 18, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ James Washington Conner died on September 17, 1927 at Athens, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 40; Died of intestinal cancer.^5,2 He Mr. J. W. Conner departed this life September 17, 1927. He was born October 16, 1887, making his stay on Earth, thirty nine years and eleven months. He was born and reared in Floyd Co. VA. He afterwards moved to Bluefield, W. Va. and worked for the N&W Ry. Then he moved to Herndon, W. Va. Finally he moved to Athens W. Va where he was living at the time of his death. He was a consistent Christian and in his last testimony stated that he was ready to die, and join the happy throng on the other side. He had been confined to his bed three months, and seventeen days and when the last moment came he was prepared to go. Funeral services was conducted by Rev. Jessey Moore at the home and was attended by a large crowd. He was laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery. A precious one from us is gone. A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant in our home. That can never be filled. His wife, Mrs. J. W. Conner. circa September 19, 1927.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 233-09-7544.¹¹ James Edward "Edd" Conner was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, Rt. 11 between Dublin and Radford, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^1,12,7 He was born on April 6, 1911 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,5,6 He married Ruby Salone Atkins on December 9, 1931 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^13,3 James Edward "Edd" Conner and Ruby Salone Atkins were divorced before February 22, 1940.^13,14 James Edward "Edd" Conner married Trula Marie Giberson on February 22, 1940 at Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^1,2,4 James Edward "Edd" Conner died on May 4, 1995 at Radford, Virginia, at age 84.^1,11,7 He CONNER, James Edward, ("Edd"), 84, of Radford, passed away Thursday, May 4, 1995. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church and was a retired security guard with Hercules with 40 years service. Survivors include, his wife, Marie G. Conner, Radford; one son and daughter-in-law, The Rev. John Edward and Joyce Conner, Strasburg; one daughter and son-in-law, Judith C. and David L. Ritter, Radford; one sister, Stella Davis, Princeton, West Va; beloved sister-in-law, Lucy P. Hassay, South Deerfield, Mass; grandchildren, Michael D. and Wanda Q. Ritter, John Frank Ritter, all of Radford, and Melissa C. Mauck, Front Royal; one step-grandson, Greg Aycock, Strasburg; four great-grandchildren, Ashley L. Ritter, Radford, Matthew, Ashley, and Brandon Mauck, Front Royal. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. on May 5, 1995.¹

     Hampton Honard Conner was buried at Bethel Cemetery, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,2 He was born on April 5, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He died on June 24, 1932 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 18; Died of complications from mastoid surgery.^1,2

     Her Social Security Number was 235-18-3592.² Stella Ellen Conner was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.¹ She was born on October 10, 1916 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,2,3 She married Lonzie Harman Linkous on March 5, 1932 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^7,8 As of March 5, 1932,her married name was Linkous.⁸ Stella Ellen Conner and Lonzie Harman Linkous were divorced before November 5, 1947.⁹ Stella Ellen Conner married Loyd Garland Davis on November 5, 1947 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,4,10 As of November 5, 1947,her married name was Davis. Stella Ellen Conner died on May 27, 2001 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 84.^1,2 She Stella Ellen Davis, 84, of Glenwood Park, died Sunday, May 27, 2001 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born Oct. 10, 1916, in Floyd County, Va., she was the daughter of the late James W. Conner and Clista Ella Martin. Mrs. Davis was the former manager of Sharp's Shoe Mart in Bluefield, Bluewell, and the Green Tree Shoe mart in Princeton, having retired in 1979. She attended the First Nazarene Church in Bluefield. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd G. Davis; one daughter, Dorothy Sue 'Ginger' Fox; two brothers; and one sister. She is survived by two sons, William 'Bill' Davis and wife, Betty of Waldorf, Md. and Charles 'Eddie' Davis and wife, Linda of Green Valley; one daughter, Shirley Medley and husband, Benny of Dublin, Va; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and special friends and neighbors, Jerry and Connie Williams of Glenwood Park. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton. on May 29, 2001.¹