Person Page - 873

     His Social Security Number was 223-38-7340.⁷ Thomas Donald "Don" Cole married Joyce Weddle.² Thomas Donald "Don" Cole was born on October 8, 1931 at Virginia.⁷ He married Helene Bouck in 1980.^2,8 Thomas Donald "Don" Cole died on December 10, 2000 at South Carolina at age 69.^7,9 He COLE, Thomas D., 69, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Helene Cole of Roanoke; daughters, Cathy Hawkins of Roanoke, Connie Houston and her husband, Randy of Vinton; a stepdaughter, Sandra Dooley and her husband, Donald of Buchanan; stepson, Andrew Nevins and his wife, Mary of Hampton; a granddaughter, Kendra Houston of Vinton; and a stepgrandson, Harland Nevins of Hampton. He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Cole and his wife, Betty of Morristown, Tenn., Louis Cole and his wife, Joyce of Botetourt, Meriman Cole and his wife, Cathy of California; sisters, Minnie Chewning and her husband, Bobby of Roanoke, and Betty Pritchard of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews; and a special puppy, Mitzi. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2000, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel. on December 11, 2000.⁹

     Louis Eugene Cole was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.² He was born circa 1935 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2 He married Joyce Givens circa 1953.² Louis Eugene Cole died on October 12, 2013 at Fort Myers, Lee Co., Florida.² He Louis Eugene Cole, 78, of N. Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2013, after living a full and happy life. Louis was born in Roanoke, where he met his wife, Joyce while in Junior High School. He attended Jefferson High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before retiring with a career spanning 23 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the Navy, Louis resided in Waukegan, Ill., where he was plant manager of Chicago Boiler Company. After retiring from Chicago Boiler, Louis and Joyce moved back to their childhood home of Roanoke, Va., where they resided for many years before moving to N. Fort Myers, Fla., where the climate suited their lifestyle better. Louis loved to be out in the warm weather, where he enjoyed golf and lounging by the pool. But his most favorite times were when his family was all gathered together. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Gladys Cole; brother, Don Cole; and sister, Betty Pritchard. Louis is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce (Givens) Cole; children, Cindy Whitecotton (Frank), Terri Hill (Glen), Vicky Grapel (Kenny), Katie Davis (Larry) and Louis (Butch) Cole Jr; grandchildren, David Hill, Danielle Schmitz, Rebecca Davis, Brandon Cole, Larissa Joma, Jessica Hassan, and Lance James; sister, Minnie K. Chewing; and brothers, Robert M. Cole and Wesley (Twiddles) Cole. Although Louis will be missed greatly by family and friends, many loving memories will remain forever. There will be a Celebration of Life at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at Oakey's North Chapel on Peters Creek Road. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the Celebration of Life. His ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. on October 30, 2013.²

     Merriman Wesley "Wes" Cole was born on October 29, 1940 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁶ He married Kathleen D. "Kathy" Smeltzer on July 21, 1962 at Fresno Co., California.⁷ Merriman Wesley "Wes" Cole died on February 21, 2014 at San Bruno, San Mateo Co., California, at age 73.⁴ He Merriman Wesley (Wes) Cole, (Twiddles), 73, of San Bruno, Calif., passed away February 21, 2014 in San Bruno. He was a son of Thomas M. and Gladys (Sears) Cole. He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas D. Cole and Louis E. Cole (Joyce); and sister, Betty Cole Pritchard. Wes is survived by wife, Kathy; sons, David and Larry (Kris); daughter, Robin; grandsons, Wesley and Seth; granddaughter, Emily; brother, Bobby Cole (Betty) of Morristown, Tenn; sister, Minnie C. Chewning (Bobby) of Roanoke, Va; 15 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 409 in San Bruno, California on March 16, 2014. on March 12, 2014.⁴

     Byrd Garland Cole was born on July 30, 1804 at Buncombe Co., North Carolina.^2,3 He married Sarah Gudger circa 1824.² Byrd Garland Cole married Frances Raines circa 1839.⁴ Byrd Garland Cole died on October 22, 1896 at Walker Co., Alabama, at age 92.³ He Byrd Cole, age 92 died at his home on Sipsey River, this county, on the 22 ultimate. He was born in Buncombe County, N.C. about the year 1804 where he grew to manhood and lived (there) until 33 years old, then moved to Walker County, located on the Sipsey River in the west end of this county where he lived for 60 years until the Invitable Summons. Death came to remove the Celestial Reward waiting all, who like him, prove faithful to the End. He was the perfect type of rugged honesty and integerity. He leaves a wife, many relatives and friends to mourn his departure. on November 4, 1896.³

     John Lennis Prillaman was born on May 28, 1926 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 He married Peggy Ann Wingate on October 21, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,4 John Lennis Prillaman died on January 18, 2018 at Virginia at age 91.⁴ He John Lennis Prillaman, 91, of Martinsville, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018. He was the son of Elvada Conner and John Tyler Prillaman of Copper Hill, Va. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Wingate Prillaman; grandson, William David Malkiewicz; three brothers, Thornton, Alton, and Donald Prillaman; and two sisters, Lelah Allah Prillaman and Virginia Prillaman Carmack. He is survived by one son, and daughter-in-law, David and Barbara Prillaman of Front Royal, Va; one daughter, Deborah Prillaman of Martinsville, Va; a grandson and his wife, Rick and Pam Malkiewicz of Laplata, Md; and three great-grandchildren, Nick, Grace, and Ben. Family visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association or the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. on January 21, 2018.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 230-09-9675.² Elmer Bertrand Bess Sr. was buried at Sunrise Cemetery, Low Moor, Alleghany Co., Virginia.³ He was born on August 10, 1912 at Barbours Creek, Craig Co., Virginia.^3,2,1 He married Martha Jane Elmore, daughter of Giles Monroe Elmore and Minnie Florence Charlton, on November 3, 1933 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^4,3 Elmer Bertrand Bess Sr. died on September 17, 1987 at Alleghany Co., Virginia, at age 75.^4,3

     Leo Edgar Kesler was buried at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 231-24-3816.¹⁰ He married Audrey Unknown.^11,6,2 Leo Edgar Kesler was born on May 14, 1927 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^7,10,2 He married Sadie Lucille Shank, daughter of Tonsaroyoo "Tonsa" "Bill" Shank and Evelyn Light, on September 2, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3 Leo Edgar Kesler and Sadie Lucille Shank were divorced on July 22, 1957 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ Leo Edgar Kesler died on April 11, 2005 at Newport News, Virginia, at age 77.^10,2 He NEWPORT NEWS - Leo Edgar Kesler, born in Salem, May 14, 1927, and a longtime resident of Newport News, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2005. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Hatcher Kesler, and his son, Larry Kesler. Mr. Kesler served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate Third Class (CB) and worked for N & W Railroad for 10 years. He retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. in 1987 after 35 years of service. Mr. Kesler was an avid golfer and bowler both duckpin and tenpin. He is survived by his wife, Audrey C. Kesler; his mother, Laura Sears Kesler of Salem; his son, Rodney L. Kesler and his wife, Peggy, of Check; his daughters, Christina L. Cleary and her husband, Bill, of Newport News and Joylene L. Chappell and her husband, Frank, of Seaford; three grandchildren, Sarah E. Bergeron and her husband, Stuart, of Blacksburg, Matthew T. Kesler and his wife, Anitra, of Check and Tanya K. Hicks and her husband, Derrick, of Check; three stepchildren, Rebecca P. Turlington and her husband, Randy, of Newport News, Michelle Poole of Newport News and Jeffrey S. Poole and his wife, Jenny, of Gloucester; four step-grandchildren, Samantha E. Turlington, Leigh A. Turlington, John S. Poole and Justin S. Poole. Mr. Kesler also leaves behind a wealth of friends he cherished each and every day of his life. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, at Weymouth Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, at Peninsula Memorial Park with the Pastor Don Stuppy officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family wish contributions to be made to Personal Touch Hospice, 732 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite 203, Newport News, VA 23606. The family also wish to express their appreciation for the comforting care given to them from Chris Kling, Toni Garner, Michelle Wells and Carol Geisman, all from Personal Touch Hospice. on April 13, 2005.²

     Leila Aleia Prillaman was buried at Crossroads Church Cemetery (also known as Prillaman Cemetery), Hummingbird Lane, south of Rt. 221, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ She FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR YOUNG GIRL KILLED IN FALL FROM HIGH CLIFF - The death of Leila Aleia Prillaman, age 15, lovely daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Prillaman of Copper Hill vicinity, Tuesday morning about 11 a.m., Aug 25th (Tuesday was on Aug 24), was a shock to all citizens of this county, not only to relatives, near friends, but to every parent hearing of it. A tragedy never exceeded in our history. With a friend, Cornelia Martin, the daughter of Mrs. Flossie Martin of Baltimore, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Cannaday of Copper Hill, the two girls went to Carr's Falls (usually known as Twin Falls), two miles west of Copper Hill for an outing. Reaching there they started at the bottom of the falls to climb to the top - a distance of 500 feet. Miss Prillaman had reached about 200 feet upwards, when she lost her footing and with a piercing shriek, she fell to the bottom of the falls in her downward plunge, cutting a gash in her temple. Miss Martin who was within just a few feet of her in their climb, witnessed the fall, and knowing she was unable to do anything to assist, climbed to the top and ran a half mile to the home of John Perdue where she telephoned the father of Leila that "she had fallen over the falls." Rushing to the scene, Mr. Prillaman went to the pool where the body of his daughter lay and with the assistance of John Perdue, who had preceded him to the scene, they carried the body to the bank. The coroner, Dr. J. M. Harman, Commonwealth Attorney J. H. Poff went to the scene of the accident and the release of the body was ordered. The body was then brought to Maberry Funeral Home, here, prepared for burial and then carried to her home. Harman stated death was not caused by drowning. Other than her parents, the survivors are four brothers, Thornton Prillaman, Pittsburgh; John, Baltimore, Sailor Alton Prillaman, Great Lakes Naval Training Station; D. Q. Prillaman at home; a sister, Miss Virginia Alice Prillaman, a student nurse of Jefferson hospital, Roanoke. Miss Prillaman was a second year student of Check High School, and was a lovable, popular girl with many friends. The funeral services were conducted Thursday, 4 p.m. August 26th, in the home of her parents, followed with interment in the Cross Roads cemetery, the rites conducted by the Reverends Noah Conner of Riner, and S. F. Friedley of Locust Grove. In their bereavement the family has the sympathy of every mother and father in this county. The pallbearers were: Wade Poff, Cleophus Conner, Waynard Poff, Perry Conner, Bill Carr, Layne Board. Flower bearers: Mary Frances Conner, Dianna Lawrence, Marian Jean McNeil, Beulah Austin, Katherine Link, Beulah Mae Conner, Glenna Vest, Juanita Poff, Emmie Lou Weddle, Garnet Austin, Virginia Howery, Grace Settle, Rheba Hutts, June Howery, Pauline Vest and Marie Poff.¹ She was born on April 23, 1928 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,9,6 She died on August 24, 1943 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 15; Killed in a tragic fall over Twin Falls, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,9,6

     Elizabeth Anderson was buried at Radford Cemetery, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 888, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on February 17, 1832 at Franklin Co., Virginia.² She married Lewis A. Radford, son of Robert Radford and Elenor Underwood, on June 24, 1850 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ As of June 24, 1850,her married name was Radford. Elizabeth Anderson died on September 11, 1925 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 93.^2,3

     Donald Quinn "D. Q." Prillaman was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on October 4, 1930 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,1 He married Jean Arbra Lumsden on December 26, 1953 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,1,2,10 Donald Quinn "D. Q." Prillaman died on November 21, 2004 at Orlando, Orange Co., Florida, at age 74.¹ He Donald Quinn "D. Q." Prillaman 74, of Orlando, Fla. passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 21, 2004. He was born in Copper Hill, Va. on October 4, 1930 to John Tyler and Elvada Prillaman. He was an engineer with Martin Marietta for over 30 years and a Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jean Lumsden Prillaman; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Marc Benigno, Tampa, Fla; son Mark Prillaman, New York City; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Carl Seibert, Oviedo, Fla; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Frank Carmack, Roanoke, Va; brother and sister-in-law, John and Peggy Prillaman, New Kent, Va; sister-in-law, Pauline Prillaman, Lynchburg, Va. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2004 at Gardner Funeral Home with the Rev. Greg Mills officiating. Interment will follow in Restvale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gardner Funeral Home. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, is in charge of arrangements. on November 26, 2004.¹

     Mary Owens was born circa 1783 at Virginia. She married Nelson Moran on December 20, 1802 at Amherst Co., Virginia.¹ As of December 20, 1802,her married name was Moran. Mary Owens died circa 1838.

     Joseph Ameriah "Joe" Conner was buried at New Gray Cemetery, 2724 Western Avenue, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee.^4,5 His Social Security Number was 408-66-1917.⁵ He married Carrie Unknown.⁴ Joseph Ameriah "Joe" Conner was born on February 3, 1899 at Andersonville, Anderson Co., Tennessee.^3,4,5 He died on February 9, 1962 at LaFollette, Campbell Co., Tennessee, at age 63.^4,5

     William Curtis Conner was buried at Lynch Bethel Cemetery, Knox Co., Tennessee.^2,3 He was born on June 30, 1901 at Tennessee.^2,3 He married Lottie B. Pettiford circa 1925.^5,3 William Curtis Conner died on July 7, 1961 at Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee, at age 60.^2,3

     His Social Security Number was 716-16-0343.⁴ Samuel Cecil "Sam" Conner was buried at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, Beaver Co., Pennsylvania.⁴ He was born on May 3, 1903 at Scarboro, Anderson Co., Tennessee.⁴ He married Elva Marie Allen circa 1929.^6,2 Samuel Cecil "Sam" Conner died on April 13, 1966 at New Sewickley Township, Beaver Co., Pennsylvania, at age 62.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 296-07-5627.³ Zack Earl Conner married Hazel Mildred Roher.^6,7 Zack Earl Conner was born on November 3, 1905 at Scarboro, Anderson Co., Tennessee.^3,4 He died on November 4, 1972 at Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, at age 67; The SSDI has a death date of Nov 15, 1972.^3,8

     John Merritt Walters was born circa 1859 at Virginia.¹ He married Miriam S. Druscilla "Mary" "Dru" Walters, daughter of Hiram Walters and Druzilla C. Booth, on August 28, 1878 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ John Merritt Walters died in 1887.

     Lottie B. Pettiford was buried at Lynch Bethel Cemetery, Knox Co., Tennessee.¹ Her Social Security Number was 412-30-4720.³ She was born on October 12, 1909 at Tennessee.^4,3,1 She married William Curtis Conner, son of William James Conner and Miriam S. Druscilla "Mary" "Dru" Walters, circa 1925.^4,2 As of circa 1925,her married name was Conner.⁴ Lottie B. Pettiford died on August 15, 1995 at age 85.^3,1