Person Page - 795

     His Social Security Number was 224-03-2866.⁶ Ralph Roderick Atkinson was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,5 He was born on September 28, 1918 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,3,5,7 He married Alberta Louise Poff, daughter of Joseph Lemmie "Lem" "Lemmie" Poff and Hallie Ovella Gray, on June 10, 1939 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,8,5,7 Ralph Roderick Atkinson died on September 19, 1976 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 57.^3,5

     Ralph Gray Poff was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on June 14, 1927 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He died on March 16, 1930 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 2.^2,3

     Emory R. Bowyer was born on November 3, 1905.¹ He married Thelma Poff, daughter of Joseph Lemmie "Lem" "Lemmie" Poff and Hallie Ovella Gray, on November 26, 1951 at Baltimore, Maryland.¹ Emory R. Bowyer and Thelma Poff were divorced on October 24, 1969 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹

     Her married name was Puckett.⁴ Louisa Amanda Conner was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,4 She married Thomas "Tom" Puckett.⁴ Louisa Amanda Conner was born on April 8, 1864 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,4 She married Charles H. Craghead, son of James Robert "Bob" Craghead and Sarah Elizabeth "Sally" Conner, on March 14, 1889 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7 As of March 14, 1889,her married name was Craghead. Louisa Amanda Conner died on March 4, 1951 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 86.^6,4

     His Social Security Number was 231-05-5140.⁹ John Harry Leedy Jr. was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,4,5,8 He was born on August 4, 1919 at Graham, Tazewell Co., Virginia; The SSDI has a birth year of 1918.^{9,2,3,4,5,6,7} He married Elizabeth Marie Poff, daughter of Peter Andrew "Pete" Poff and Belva Lee Young, on June 3, 1940 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3 John Harry Leedy Jr. died on November 4, 1978 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 59.^9,3,4,5,8 He John Harry Leedy, age 59, of Rt. 4, Salem, died Tuesday at his home. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Leedy; one son, John Harry Leedy, III, of Roanoke; five daughters, Mrs. W. R. (Nancy) Smoot, of Orange Park, Fla; Mrs. Ellis (Ann) Paris, of Roanoke; Mrs. W. O. (Lucy) Prochaska, of Vienna, Va; Mrs. Robert W. (Carolyn) Harrison, of Roanoke; Miss Cynthia V. Leedy, H.N. U.S. Navy, Great Lakes, Ill; four sisters, Mrs. W. L. Dillon; Mrs. Mamie Long, both of Roanoke; Mrs. R. J. Coffey, of Long Island, N.Y; Mrs. H. L. London, of Fort Myers, Fla; eleven grandchildren. Interment will be in Sherwood. on November 16, 1978.⁸

     Nancy Carol Leedy Nancy Carol Leedy Smoot, 79, of Goodview, Virginia, passed away on May 15, 2020 at her home. A graveside service will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park.³ She was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born on February 3, 1941 at Roanoke, Virginia.² As of August 12, 1960,her married name was Smoot.⁶ She married William Ronald "Buddy" Smoot on August 12, 1960 at Santa Clara Co., California.^6,5 Nancy Carol Leedy died on May 15, 2020 at Goodview, Bedford Co., Virginia, at age 79.³

     His Social Security Number was 229-46-8576.⁴ Walter Harve "Bud" Link was buried at Clover Hollow Cemetery, Newport, Giles Co., Virginia.^5,3 He was born on February 2, 1908 at Giles Co., Virginia.^4,5,3,6 He married Leila Pearl Poff, daughter of Jeremiah Lee "Jerry" Poff and Louanna J. "Louise" Williams, on August 27, 1930 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.^7,5,2,6 Walter Harve "Bud" Link died on December 19, 1978 at Newport, Giles Co., Virginia, at age 70.^5,3

     His Social Security Number was 236-16-4199.⁶ Herman Lee Poff was buried at Resthaven Memorial Park, 1917 West Main Street, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.² He married Frances R. King.² Herman Lee Poff was born on June 12, 1917 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^6,2,3 He died on July 7, 1961 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 44.²

     Elbert Taylor Poff was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^4,5 He was born on April 24, 1922 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,4 He married Ruby Thelma Belcher, daughter of Lewis Belcher and Paralee Conner, on June 5, 1945 at Mullens, Wyoming Co., West Virginia.^2,3,4 Elbert Taylor Poff died on January 12, 1999 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 76.⁴ He PRINCETON - Mr. Elbert Taylor Poff, 76, of 393 Willow Oak Drive (JoHo Estates) Princeton, died early Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1999, at his residence. Born April 24, 1922, at Princeton, he was the son of the late B.W. and Ocie Alice Muncy Poff. He was a graduate of Princeton High School, had been a resident of Mullens for 35 years, having moved back to Princeton in 1981. He was employed by the Virginian and N & W Railroads as a fireman and locomotive engineer. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, was a member of the AF & AM Masonic Lodge 151 and a charter member of the Southgate CB Club. He was of the Protestant faith and a member of the Advent Christian Church in Princeton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Darrell Poff; one sister, Lena McNamara; and one brother, Herman Poff. His survivors include his wife of 53 years, Ruby T. Belcher Poff; one son, Richard V. Poff and wife Donna of Princeton; one daughter, Sabrina L. Hager and husband Joseph of Triangle, Va; six grandchildren, Laura, Troy and Todd Poff, all of Mechanicsville, Md., Tabitha and Kevin Poff, both of Princeton, and Nicholas Hager of Triangle. Funeral services will be conducted at ll a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, from the Burns Wornal Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory on Athens Road in Princeton with the Revs. Orville Harvey and Rob Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens on Courthouse Road in Princeton. on January 15, 1999.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 236-28-9219.⁵ Thomas Edgar Poff Jr. and Evelyn Rose Nesbitt were divorced.⁴ Thomas Edgar Poff Jr. was born on January 16, 1926 at McComas, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^5,4 He married Evelyn Rose Nesbitt on August 11, 1948 at Tazewell Co., Virginia.^6,4 Thomas Edgar Poff Jr. married Evelyn Rose Nesbitt on December 24, 1962 at Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.⁴ Thomas Edgar Poff Jr. died in July, 1986 at age 60.⁵

     John Roswell Poff was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 234-38-6162.⁵ He was born on January 21, 1929 at McComas, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,5 He married Dalia Irene Mabe on November 27, 1950 at Tazewell Co., Virginia.³ John Roswell Poff died on January 31, 1976 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 47.² He John Roswell Poff, 47, of 917 Mercer Street in Princeton, died Saturday in a Princeton hospital following a long illness. He was a block and brick mason and a member of Bluefield Moose Lodge. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. He had resided in Bluefield for the past 20 years, moving from Matoaka. He was born at McComas and was a son of Mrs. Blanche Ann Bailey Poff of Princeton and the late Thomas Poff. Surviving are one son, John Poff Jr., of Baltimore, Md; four daughters, Marlene Poff, Rita Poff, Brenda Poff and Debbie Poff, all of Baltimore; three brothers, Thomas E. Poff Jr., of Bluewell, George R. Poff and Bobby J. Poff, both of Columbus, Ohio; four sisters, Mrs. Frances G. Perkins of Sarasota, Fla., Mrs. Priscilla L. Dodson of Columbus, Mrs. Valerie G. Pinkins of Princeton and Sharon A. Poff of Princeton. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at George W. Seaver Chapel in Princeton with Rev. Paul Hall and Rev. Glen Tabor officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Cousins will be pallbearers. The body will remain at the funeral home where friends may call today from 5 until 9 p.m. on February 2, 1976.²

     His Social Security Number was 234-20-4069.¹⁰ John Elliott Bird Vest was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,4 He was born on December 15, 1920 at Rock, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^{10,11,2,4,5,3} He married Dorothy A. Hicks on August 30, 1940 at Willowton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^12,11,3,4 John Elliott Bird Vest died on February 1, 1997 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 76.^10,2,4 He Elliott B. Vest, 76, of 120 Alder St., Bluefield, went to meet his Lord on Saturday, Feb. 1, 1997, at Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield. Born on Dec. 15, 1920, in Rock, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Alma V. Poff Vest. He was a retired coal miner having retired from Consol Coal Company, Crane Creek, with 43 years’ service. He was a member of the UMWA and was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Bluefield where he served on the board of trustees. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during World War II at Iwo Jima. He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. He was the last surviving member of his family. Survivors: wife of 56 years, Dorothy A. Hicks Vest of Bluefield; son, Charles H. Vest and wife Betty L. of Green Valley; daughter, Betty Vest Gillenwater and husband Ronald of Salem, Va; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens on the Courthouse Road in Princeton. Pallbearers will be John Vest, Timmy Wiseman, Heber Stafford, Joe, Buddy and Buck Bransome. on February 2, 1997.⁴

     Raymond Lincoln Vest was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^5,10 He was born on March 24, 1897 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,5,6,7 He married Betty Jane "Betsy" Burchett on February 27, 1918 at Mercer Co., West Virginia.^11,12,13 Raymond Lincoln Vest died on February 21, 1976 at Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia, at age 78.⁵ He Raymond Lincoln Vest, 78, died Saturday night in a Hinton hospital after a short illness. Born at Floyd County, Va., March 24, 1897, he was a son of the late Charles and Alma Poff Vest. He had lived in Summers County for the past six years. He was a former resident of Freeman, was a retired engineer for the Norfolk and western Railway after 42 years of service, was a member of the Laurel Creek Baptist Church and Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman and Engineers. Vest was a member of the Old Guard in Bluefield. Survivors include five sons, George Anderson of Sarasota, Fla., Charles Vest of Battlecreek, Mich., Frank Vest of Oak Hill, Ted Vest of Charleston and Ray Vest of Bluefield, Va; four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Hendrickson and Mrs. Betty Johnson, both of Sandstone, Mrs. Mariann Becker of Indianapolis, Ind., and Mrs. Dorothy McComas of garden City, Mich; three brothers, Howard of Baltimore, Md., James of Rock and Elliott of Bluefield, Va; one sister, Mrs. Aileene Branscome of Rock. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at Bluefield. on February 23, 1976.⁵

     Roy Clifton Vest was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,9 He was born on January 19, 1900 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWI draft card has a birth year of 1899.^1,2,9,4,5 He married Helen Etta Craig on October 30, 1922 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.¹⁰ Roy Clifton Vest and Helen Etta Craig were divorced on November 24, 1924 at Virginia.¹¹ Roy Clifton Vest married Pearl Ruth Holley on December 27, 1924 at Matoaka, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^3,9,12 Roy Clifton Vest died on November 7, 1956 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 56.^2,9 He Princeton ­ Nov. 8, Funeral services for Roy Vest, 56, of Rock, who died Wednesday morning in a Bluefield hospital, will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at the Pentecostal Holiness Church, by the Rev. R. P. Quesenberry. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. A resident of Rock for 50 years, he was employed as a shovel operator for Vecellio and Grogan Strip Mining Co., at McComas. He was a member of Pinnacle Local Union, at McComas. A son of the late Charles W. and Alma Poff Vest, he was born Jan. 19, 1900 in Floyd County, Va. Survivors include his wife, the former Miss Pearl Holley of Rock, whom he married on Dec. 27, 1924; a son, Johnny Vest of Rock; a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Guagnini of Verona, N.J; four brothers; Raymond Vest of Freeman; Howard of Baltimore, Md., Curtis of Rock and Elliott of Bluewell, and two sisters, Mrs. Aline Brancome, Rock and Mrs. Bernice Parker of Athens. The body will remain at the Bailey Funeral Home in Princeton where friends may call until noon Friday. on November 9, 1956.⁹

     Rev. Ralph Julian Wimmer Sr. was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,5 He was born on December 19, 1921 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,5,6,7 He married Dorothy Jean Burkholder circa 1949.^1,3,10 Rev. Ralph Julian Wimmer Sr. died on March 25, 2014 at Virginia at age 92.^3,5 He Rev. Ralph J. Wimmer, Sr., loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, age 92, of Boones Mill, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014. He was born on December 19, 1921 a son of the late Claude A. and Nellie M. Wimmer. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Frances White, Helen Reid and Margaret Nolan; and brother, Carl Wimmer. Ralph was a graduate of Jefferson High School, received a Bachelors Degree from Roanoke College, Masters Degree in Education from VPI, Masters Degree in History from Radford College and completed the course of study for the UMC through correspondence and attended Duke Divinity School. Ralph Served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army with an honorable discharge, he taught in Roanoke City School System, was a Professor of American History at Ferrum College for 35 years, served as Chaplain in the Boones Mill Lions Club. He was also a photographer at many weddings over the years and enjoyed taking photographs of his family, which are a treasure. One of his favorite past time hobbies was being a Beekeeper, locally known as Ralph's Honey which many felt was the best honey in Franklin County. Ralph also loved driving for Abbott Bus for several years. He and Dot took several wonderful trips around the United States during his time as a driver. Ralph was known to so many people as an United Methodist Minister having served Bent Mountain Methodist, Catawba United Methodist, McDonald Methodist, Shiloh Methodist, New Hope Methodist and he served for 35 years at Boones Mill United Methodist. He was also a member of Isaacs Lodge #29 AF & AM of Boones Mill, Raised to Master Mason in 1965, was Worshipful Master of Isaacs Lodge #29 AF&AM in 1970 and 1997, District Deputy of 39th Masonic District in 1975 and Grand Master of Masons of Virginia in 1984. He was a member of Roanoke Valley Shrine Club, member of Kazim Shrine for 45 years and he was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and Past Master. He was a member of Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia. Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy B. Wimmer; their children, Ralph Julian Wimmer, Jr., and his wife, Claire; Jeanne Wimmer Banks and her husband, Marshall; Cyndee Wimmer Holland; Sandra Wimmer Funk and her husband, Tim; son-in-Law, Dennis Holland. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jennifer Cribbs (Wayne), Jason Wimmer (fiance Katie), Miranda Banks, Joshua Banks, Mariah Banks, Cole Holland, Carrie Holland, Sarah Funk; two great-grandchildren, Madison Cribbs and Jordan Cribbs. The family would like to offer special thanks to Tim Funk, his son-in-law, dear friend and caregiver for Ralph, to the personnel at Pheasant Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center who were so kind to Ralph and his family during his brief stay there, hospital personnel at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital and Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and to the members of the Boones Mill Volunteer Rescue Squad. Ralph was a wonderful and loving husband and father and his whole family will miss him so much. The family takes comfort knowing that he lived a wonderful and full 92 years of life and that he is now in Heaven with his parents and siblings and with his heavenly Father. It is also a comfort that he is no longer suffering, but has been made whole again. The family would like to thank all of those who have been praying and thinking of them and Ralph during this time. Funeral services will be conducted from Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 with Rev. Bruce D. Tuttle officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park with Masonic rites by Isaacs Lodge #29 AF & AM. on March 28, 2014.³

     Helen Irene Wimmer was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3 Her married name was Puckett.⁹ Her Social Security Number was 223-22-8057.¹⁰ She married Unknown Puckett.⁹ Helen Irene Wimmer was born on February 14, 1923 at Gary, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^10,9,3 As of February 25, 1950,her married name was Reid.⁹ She married Walter Scott Reid on February 25, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,9,4 Helen Irene Wimmer died on May 22, 2003 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 80.^1,10,3,4 She REID, Helen Wimmer, 80, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 22, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter S. Reid. She and Mr. Reid were charter members of Hidden Valley Country Club, where she had a great love for the game of golf. For many years, she was an official at the Windsor Hills Polling Precinct. Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Robyn Reid Brouillette and husband, Rick of Richmond, Julie Reid Gladu and husband, Chuck of Fincastle; grandsons, Ryan Brouillette, Ross Brouillette and Kenyon Gladu; a brother, Ralph Wimmer. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. on May 23, 2003.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 225-22-1207.⁷ Margaret Ellen Wimmer was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^8,9 She married Patrick Francis Nolan.⁸ Her married name was Nolan.⁸ Margaret Ellen Wimmer was born on November 8, 1924 at Gary, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^7,8,2,9 As of November 21, 1945,her married name was McIlwraith.² She married William Ivie McIlwraith Jr. on November 21, 1945 at Roanoke, Virginia.² Margaret Ellen Wimmer and William Ivie McIlwraith Jr. were divorced on January 31, 1953 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Margaret Ellen Wimmer died on December 14, 1972 at age 48.^8,9

     Her Social Security Number was 226-32-7365.⁸ Frances Ann Wimmer was born on July 25, 1927 at Gary, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^8,3,4 As of September 2, 1950,her married name was White.⁵ She married Ray Clinton White on September 2, 1950 at Washington, D.C..⁵ Frances Ann Wimmer died on November 13, 1999 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 72.^8,3,9 She WHITE, Frances Ann, 72, of Roanoke, died peacefully on Saturday, November 13, 1999 at home. She was born in Gary, W.Va., on July 25, 1927 to the late Claude and Nellie Wimmer. She was very active in the Roanoke Chorus and was a soloist in several churches in the Roanoke Valley. She attended Flora McDonald College where she studied music. After college she married and lived all over the U.S. and Europe as a result of her husband's military career. She then settled in Roanoke in 1977 and had worked for Northwest Hardware for 21 years. She was a devoted and loving mother of three surviving sons, Ray Clinton, Mark Edward, and Leonard Franklin White; also surviving are one sister, Helen Reid; one brother, Ralph Wimmer; four grandchildren, Gwen Lafleur, Jessie, Rachel, and Anne White; one great-grandchild, Zachery Lafleur. on November 16, 1999.³