Person Page - 1208

     Robert Ace "Rob" Harris Robert Ace Harris, 53, of Roanoke, passed away, August 31, 2017. Robert was preceded in death by his parents D.W. Harris and Faye Bond Earles Harris, and brother Alvin C. Earles (A.C.) He is survived by his wife of 20 years Bonnie Poff Witt Harris; step-sons, Scott A. Witt (Jaime), Gregory L. Witt (Michelle); grandchildren, Dylan Witt and his mother Nichole Witt, Adam Witt, Griffin Witt, Connor Witt; sister Sherry Wolfe (Rick); brothers, Donnie Harris, Charlie Harris (Susan), Steve Earles (Kitty); special nephews, Brian Earles and Rusty Lambert; brother from another mother Rob Nelson and family; as well as numerous members of his Food Lion Family. His favorite things in life included his grandchildren (who loved their Bubba), camping at the beach, Nascar and Jeff Gordon, Hokie Football, as well as his beloved Washington Redskins. The family would like to give a special thanks to Monica Stevens, Kathy Moses, and Rhana Armfield at Good Samaritan Hospice for the care they gave to Robert. They would also like to thank the staff at Lewis-Gale Oncology Clinic for all they did for Robert.⁴ He was born on April 4, 1964 at Radford, Virginia.⁵ He married Bonnie Leigh Poff, daughter of Clarence Lee "Ozzie" "Pepa" Poff Jr. and June Rose "Mema" Terrell, on August 23, 1997 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4,3 Robert Ace "Rob" Harris died on August 31, 2017 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 53.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 227-03-6207.⁵ Harry Gordon Thomas was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on June 6, 1915 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,4 He married Ruth Alice Poff, daughter of Clarence Lee "Otho" Poff Sr. and Ardelia Virgie Thompson, on January 9, 1993 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,6 Harry Gordon Thomas died on October 10, 1996 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.^3,5,6 He THOMAS, Harry Gordon, 81, of Roanoke, died Thursday, October 10, 1996. Mr. Thomas was a member and deacon at Belmont Baptist Church and was retired from the VA Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Lillian Foster Thomas. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Townsend Thomas; a stepson and his wife, S. Lynn and Barbara C. Townsend, Richmond; his stepgrandchildren, Tiffany Taliaferro and her husband, Foster, Kimberly Stansell and her husband, Scott, Sherry and Rhett Townsend; a stepgreat-grandson, Wyatt Taliaferro. Interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. on October 12, 1996.⁶

     Frank William Bova Sr. was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,7 His Social Security Number was 229-18-0998.⁸ He was born on August 10, 1923 at Roanoke, Virginia.^8,3,4,6 He married Edith Margaret Poff, daughter of Clarence Lee "Otho" Poff Sr. and Ardelia Virgie Thompson, on September 3, 1943 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.^1,2,9 Frank William Bova Sr. died on August 3, 1994 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 70.^1,8,5 He BOVA, Frank William, 70, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, August 3, 1994, in a Roanoke hospital. He was president of Bova Distributing Company and a veteran of WWII. Surviving are his wife, Edith Poff Bova, Roanoke; two sons and daughter-in-law, Frank W. (Bill) Jr. and Ruth J. Bova, Roanoke, Richard Alan (Rick) Bova, Roanoke; one granddaughter, Michelle Bova Cruz; one grandson, Ritchie A. Bova Jr; one great-grandson, Jordan Thomas Cruz; three nieces. Entombment in Sherwood Memorial Park. on August 4, 1994.¹

     Gladys Dickerson was buried at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 409 Ridgeview Road NW, off Rt. 8 N, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Her Social Security Number was 231-32-5130.² Her married name was Vest. She married L. C. Vernon Vest, son of Roy Allen Vest and Malinda Alice McNeil.^1,3 Gladys Dickerson was born on October 1, 1928.^1,2 She died on November 23, 2003 at age 75.²

     Agatha Irene Strickler was buried at High Street Cemetery, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ Her Social Security Number was 227-76-7351.⁹ She was born on May 4, 1915 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^9,3,4 As of September 9, 1933,her married name was Bennett.⁵ She married Emmett Sherrard Bennett on September 9, 1933 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,10,5 Agatha Irene Strickler died on November 23, 2003 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 88.^1,9,11 She Irene Strickler Bennett, 88, of Rocky Mount, died Sunday, November 23, 2003. She was an active, faithful member of the Rocky Mount Christian Church for over 50 years, a wonderful homemaker and seamstress, she was also a terrific mother and grandmother. A daughter of the late William Thomas and Georgia Lancaster Strickler, she was also preceded in death by four brothers, three sisters, her son-in-law, Charles Pace and her husband, Emmett Sherrard Bennett. Surviving are her daughter, Ann B. Pace of Rocky Mount; her son and daughter-in-law, Sherrard (Stem) and Shery W. Bennett of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Charles B. Pace and wife, Donna, Brett W. Pace and wife, Mary, Stacy P. Riddick and husband, Chris, Ashley Rose B. Amos and husband, Jimmy, Alisha Ann Bennett; her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Erin, and Noah Brantly Pace; one brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Hilda Strickler of Rocky Mount; one sister, Myrle Metts of Richmond; three sisters-in-law, Catherine P. Bennett and Ruth Hutcherson, both of Rocky Mount, Jan Strickler of Alaska. Interment will follow in High Street Cemetery. on November 25, 2003.¹

     His Social Security Number was 228-03-4914.⁴ Emmett Sherrard Bennett was buried at High Street Cemetery, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.² He was born on August 7, 1908 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,3 He married Agatha Irene Strickler, daughter of William Thomas Strickler and Georgia Alice Lancaster, on September 9, 1933 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Emmett Sherrard Bennett died on April 6, 1995 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 86.^4,2 He BENNETT, Emmett Sherrard, 86, of 126 Mountain Avenue, Rocky Mount, Va. died Thursday, April 6, 1995, at his residence. He was a son of the late Richard Coleman and Ella Dudley Bennett , and was preceded in death by three brothers, Irvin, Conrad, and Willard Bennett. Mr. Bennett truly loved the town of Rocky Mount as well as Franklin County, having been reared on a rural farm and was always willing to give of his time, energy and donations to help promote the continued growth in the county. His love of people drew him to continue his association with his business until his eighty-sixth year. He was the owner of Bennett 's Tire Service, Inc., served on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, was past President of the Rocky Mount Lions Club, member of the Franklin Co. Retail Merchants Association and was a member of the Rocky Mount Town Council for eighteen years, twelve of which he served as Vice-Mayor. A longtime member of the Rocky Mount Christian Church, having served as Elder and at his death was Elder Emeritus, He had served as Sunday School Superintendent and as Sunday School Teacher; he was a past member of the Rocky Mount Fire Department, having served as Chief. He served many years on the Rocky Mount Industrial Development Authority. Surviving are his wife, Irene Strickler Bennett , of the home; one daughter Ann Bennett Pace, Rocky Mount; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard Sherrard and Shery Wampler Bennett , Rocky Mount; his grandchildren, Charles Bennett Pace and his wife, Donna, Brett Wakefield Pace and his wife, Mary, Stacy Renee Pace, Ashley Rose Bennett and Alisha Ann Bennett ; his great-grandchildren, Hannah and Erin Pace; one sister, Mrs. Ralph (Ruth) Hutcherson, Rocky Mount. Interment will follow in High Street Cemetery. on April 7, 1995.²

     Charles Wakefield Pace was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 228-38-2653.⁶ He was born on December 16, 1934 at Newport News, Virginia.^2,3,6,5 He married Ann Britton Bennett, daughter of Emmett Sherrard Bennett and Agatha Irene Strickler, on May 30, 1959 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2,4 Charles Wakefield Pace died on September 19, 1972 at Reisterstown, Baltimore Co., Maryland, at age 37.^3,6,4 He Charles Wakefield Pace, 37, of Reisterstown, Md., a native of Newport News, died Wednesday in a Reisterstown Hospital. He was a graduate of Warwick High School and the College of William and Mary. Survivors lnclude his widow, Mrs. Ann Bennett Pace; two sons, Charles Pace and Brett Pace of Reisterstown; a daugter, Miss Stacey Pace of Reisterstown; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Pace of Newport News; a sister, Mrs. Mary Lou Russell of Newport News and two brothers, Jack Pace of Newport News and Edward Pace of Fort Walton Beach Fla. on September 21, 1972.⁴

     Akin Wayne Strickler was buried at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 863, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,4 His Social Security Number was 225-10-7564.¹⁵ He was born on December 30, 1908 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^8,15,4 He married Hilda Pauline Richards on February 22, 1936 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,16,5 Akin Wayne Strickler died on July 9, 2005 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 96.^1,16,15,2,4 He Akin Wayne Strickler, 96, of Rocky Mount, died Saturday, July 9, 2005. He was a former owner-operator of the Callaway Cash Store and was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Georgia Lancaster Strickler; four sisters; four brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Hilda Richards Strickler, of the home; sister, Myrle Metts, Richmond; a number of nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the aides and nurses of Franklin Healthcare and Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted from Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. on July 10, 2005.¹

     Hilda Pauline Richards was buried at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 863, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,5 Her Social Security Number was 226-01-5618.⁶ She was born on August 28, 1907 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,5,6 As of February 22, 1936,her married name was Strickler.⁴ She married Akin Wayne Strickler, son of William Thomas Strickler and Georgia Alice Lancaster, on February 22, 1936 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4 Hilda Pauline Richards died on November 23, 2005 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 98.^2,5,6 She Hilda Richards Strickler, 98, of Rocky Mount, died Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at her residence. She was born August 28, 1907, the last surviving child of Shade and Rosa Burch Richards. Mrs. Strickler was the oldest member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, where she loved serving the Lord and was known for her humility and kindness. She and her late husband operated the Callaway Cash Store, where she took pleasure in giving each child a bag of candy. Mrs. Strickler was preceded in death by her husband, A. Wayne Strickler on July 9, 2005. Surviving are a sister-in-law, Merle Metts, Richmond; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. on November 24, 2005.²

     Her Social Security Number was 225-22-4727.⁹ Myrle Nevada Strickler was buried at Glade Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, 6627 Colonial Turnpike, Glade Hill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,10 She married Abner William "Bill" Metts.^6,11,12 Her married name was Metts. Myrle Nevada Strickler was born on April 19, 1913 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,9,10 She died on April 29, 2010 at Henrico Co., Virginia, at age 97.^6,9,10,11 She Myrle Strickler Metts, 97, formerly of Rocky Mount, Va., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Westminster Canterbury, Richmond, her home since 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband, Abner William (Bill) Metts. Born in Franklin County, Va., she was the last survivor of the nine children of Georgia Alice Lancaster Strickler and William Thomas Strickler. She is survived by her daughter, June Metts Dennis and son-in-law, William R. Dennis III, of Richmond. She is also survived by a beloved extended family including numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren in-law and great-grandchildren in-law. Mrs. Metts had careers as a homemaker, also in retail and education and was an accomplished seamstress. She was active in her church and in volunteer activities, including the American Red Cross and most recently, the child development center at Westminster-Canterbury. She was an amazing story teller, bringing to life in vivid detail the era of which she was part. Mrs. Metts loved people, especially children, and sought to make friends wherever she went. Interment will follow in Glade Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. on May 1, 2010.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 224-20-0857.⁶ Abner William "Bill" Metts was buried at Glade Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, 6627 Colonial Turnpike, Glade Hill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^7,3,8,5 He married Myrle Nevada Strickler, daughter of William Thomas Strickler and Georgia Alice Lancaster.^1,3,5 Abner William "Bill" Metts was born on October 17, 1904 at Glade Hill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,7,2,3,4,8 He died on November 3, 1982 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 78.^7,3,8,5 He Abner William Metts, age 78, passed away Wednesday in a Roanoke hospital. He was member of the Gladehill Baptist Church and a retired Millwright. Surviving are his wife, Myrle Strickler Metts; one daughter, June Metts Gay, Martinsville; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Bessie T. Metts; a niece, Dora Jane Morris; a nephew, B. Herman Metts, all of Gladehill. Funeral services will be conducted in the Gladehill Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. on November 5, 1982.⁵

     Phillip Ballard "Jack" Strickler was buried at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 863, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,4,5,6 He was born on January 11, 1911 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,4 He died on January 27, 1936 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 25.^2,4,6 He Rocky Mount, Jan. 27 - Jack Strickler, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Strickler, of near Pleasant Hill, died this morning at his home. Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Hill Methodist church, followed by burial in the Pleasant Hill cemetery. Mr. Strickler is survived by parents and the following brothers and sisters: Wayne, James and Roff, of Rocky Mount; Corbin, Martinsville; Mrs. Emmette Bennett and Mrs. Hampton Goodwin, of Rocky Mount; Mrs. Claude Metz, of Glade Hill, Mrs. Harrison, of Winston-Salem, N. C. on January 28, 1936.⁶

     Wallace Teal Strickler was buried at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 863, Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ His Social Security Number was 226-10-9456.¹⁵ He was born on June 21, 1917 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^{15,4,5,6,7,8,12} He married Josephine Alie Frith on May 1, 1937 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,5 Wallace Teal Strickler died on July 19, 1996 at Gainesville, Alachua Co., Florida, at age 79.^2,15,5,8 He STRICKLER, Wallace Teal, 79, of Hernado, Fla., formerly of Roanoke, died Friday, July 19, 1996, at the Veteran Hospital, Gainsville, Fla. He was a member of the Plumber and Steam Fitters Union, Local #491. He is preceded in death by a son, Thomas T. Strickler. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Strickler; two daughters, Betty Jo Naber, Homasassa, Fla., and Richie Williams, Martinez, Ga; two sons, Sidney Strickler, Mount Holly, N.C., Larry Strickler, Hernado, Fla; two brothers, Wayne Stickler, Rocky Mount, Roff D. Strickler, Anchorage, Alaska; two sisters, Myrle Metts, Irene Bennett, both of Rocky Mount; eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be in Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, Rocky Mount, Va. on July 23, 1996.²