Martin McKinley Dowdy1,2,3,4,5

M, b. April 26, 1929, d. January 30, 1996
     His Social Security Number was 228-30-5471.6 Martin McKinley Dowdy was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.7,3 He was born on April 26, 1929 at Giles Co., Virginia.2,7,4,5 He married Frances Marie Womack, daughter of Kemper Junior Womack and Prudy Elizabeth "Lizzie" Davis, on June 25, 1977 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 Martin McKinley Dowdy died on January 30, 1996 at Blacksburg, Virginia, at age 66.8,3,7,4,6 He DOWDY, Martin McKinley, 66, of Blacksburg, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 30, 1996, at the home of his sister, Margaret Cumbee, in Blacksburg. Born in Giles County, he was a son of the late William A. Dowdy and Gladys Songer Dowdy Wilson. He is survived by a host of family and friends: "We feel very fortunate to have been his brothers or sisters, his friends, his wife, who were able to have known him and enjoyed his presence. All have shared his many tears, and the pain and suffering he endured. But, he will be remembered most of all for his love and kindness for others, his smiles and laughter, and his love for the Lord. And now, we can be assured, at long last, that his pain and suffering are no more, for he is at peace now with the Lord." Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 1996, at the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel in Pembroke, with the Rev. Sam Hancock and the Rev. Eddie Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg. on January 31, 1996.3

Family

Frances Marie Womack
Marriage*He married Frances Marie Womack, daughter of Kemper Junior Womack and Prudy Elizabeth "Lizzie" Davis, on June 25, 1977 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 

Citations

  1. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the Kemper Junior Womack obituary in the Sep 7, 1992 edition.
  2. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  3. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the Martin McKinley Dowdy obituary in the Jan 31, 1996 edition.
  4. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  5. [S5152] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920.
  6. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  7. [S2261] Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Montgomery Co., VA, online http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&GSln=poff&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=in&GSst=48&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GSsr=161&GRid=37619506&CRid=51945&df=all&
  8. [S5149] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014.

Shirley Mae Frazier1,2

F, b. December 10, 1941, d. December 31, 2005
     Shirley Mae Frazier was buried at Sunset Cemetery, North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1 She was born on December 10, 1941 at Blacksburg, Virginia.1,2 As of March 5, 1988,her married name was Womack.2 She married Charlie Theodore Womack, son of Kemper Junior Womack and Prudy Elizabeth "Lizzie" Davis, on March 5, 1988 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 Shirley Mae Frazier died on December 31, 2005 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 64.1 She WOMACK, Shirley Frazier, 64, of Christiansburg died Saturday, December 31, 2005, at her home. She was born in Blacksburg, Va. on December 10, 1941 to the late Atlee and Ruby Cupp Frazier and was also preceded in death by a sister Charlsie Smith. She is survived by her husband, Charlie Womack, of Christiansburg; daughters, Sherry Lee Heslep of Christiansburg, Brenda Heslep Mosses of Radford; sons, Curtis Evans Heslep of Blacksburg, Tony Curtis Heslep of Giles Co., Daniel Wayne Womack of Christiansburg; sisters, Frances Perdue of Christiansburg, Linda Vaden of Blacksburg, Lucy Cox of Christiansburg, Carolyn Alls of Blacksburg; brother, Jake Frazier of Blacksburg; five granddaughters, one grandson; a great-grrandson; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill McMahan officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 12 noon Monday, and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg. on January 2, 2006.1

Family

Charlie Theodore Womack
Marriage*She married Charlie Theodore Womack, son of Kemper Junior Womack and Prudy Elizabeth "Lizzie" Davis, on March 5, 1988 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 
Child
  • Daniel Wayne Womack1

Citations

  1. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the Shirley Frazier Womack obituary in the Jan 2, 2006 edition.
  2. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.

Raymond Allen Prater1,2,3,4,5,6

M, b. October 3, 1920, d. March 15, 1999
FatherJames Washington "Ty" Prater1,7,2,8,3 b. September 18, 1891, d. October 4, 1962
MotherNona Hearl Fisher1,7,2,8,3 b. August 8, 1895, d. March 1, 1947
     His Social Security Number was 232-24-5411.9 Raymond Allen Prater was born on October 3, 1920 at Minden, Fayette Co., West Virginia.7,9,4,5 He married Betty Jane Chandler on February 16, 1944 at Washington, D.C..7,6 Raymond Allen Prater died on March 15, 1999 at Florida at age 78.9

Census Records

1930Dwelling 111, District 12, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia2
1940Dwelling 31, District 10-12, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia8

Occupation

1940Coal miner8

Family

Betty Jane Chandler b. February 11, 1924
Marriage*Raymond Allen Prater married Betty Jane Chandler on February 16, 1944 at Washington, D.C..7,6 
Child
  • Raymond Allen Prater Jr.3

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the James W. Prater obituary in the Oct 5, 1962 edition.
  2. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S616] Charleston Gazette, From the Nona H. Prater obituary in the Mar 3, 1947 edition.
  4. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  5. [S3706] 1926–1975, RG 147. The National Archives at Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia Records of the Selective Service System, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
  6. [S11409] Unknown compiler, Washington, D.C., U.S., Marriage Records, 1810-1953.
  7. [S1576] VA, USA: National Publishing Co., 1946 Young American Patriots. Richmond, U. S., World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945.
  8. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  9. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.

Lowell Andrew Prater1,2,3,4,5,6

M, b. May 23, 1922, d. January 11, 2013
FatherJames Washington "Ty" Prater1,7,8,9,10,4 b. September 18, 1891, d. October 4, 1962
MotherNona Hearl Fisher1,7,8,9,10,4 b. August 8, 1895, d. March 1, 1947
     Lowell Andrew Prater was buried at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW. 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Sumter Co., Florida.3,6 He God's good and faithful servant, Lowell Prater, has fulfilled his considerable duties, and he took his customary daily morning devotions this morning with God Himself. Lowell Prater's life has been nearly a century defined by service: service to his parents, service to his country, service to his family, service to his church, service to the education of young people, service to the rehabilitation of those in the criminal justice system, and most of all, service to God and His Word. From his years as a dutiful son and brother in Fayette County, WV, he entered West Virginia University, where he diligently prepared for a life of service in education. Before he could finish, however, he was called to serve his country in its need, spending his tour of duty in the Navy during the Second World War. He was stationed in Cuba, training pilots to land on aircraft carriers before they shipped out to the Pacific. After the war, he returned to finish his education at W. Va. Tech, where he lost his heart to a beautiful redhead, promising her his love and eternal devotion. After their marriage in June of 1950, Lowell and Betty Lou answered God's call to the Washington, D.C. area, where they began together a life devoted to the service of bringing up their four children - Paula, Diane, Stephen and Nona, according to God's command. Lowell served first as a teacher, then counselor, then administrator in the D.C. Public School system, sometimes in the toughest schools in the District. During this time, they established their lifelong habits of dedication to serving in their church and spreading the gospel. They never failed to fulfill their duty to tithe and support missionaries in the field. The Lord always provided. As a father, Lowell's service to his children was unfailing, inexhaustible and steeped in biblical principle--the love of a father for his children modeled after the ultimate example of God the Father for His children. As a student and child of God, Lowell ultimately completed a doctorate in Biblical Ministry but remained a lifelong student of God's Word, memorizing, reading, studying, reciting and sharing. As a teacher, he never stopped teaching God's word--to his students, to his children and ultimately to all he met. He taught by both gentle explanation and example. As a grandfather, he has served as a loving role model and quintessential "Grandaddy" to 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, whose lives have been enriched immeasurably by his love, prayers, lessons, advice and the spoiling only a granddad can do. Lowell retired several times, only to begin a new life of service according to the continuing call of God. Each time, being unable to resign himself to the world's idea of retirement and rest, Lowell moved with Betty Lou from D.C. to Charleston, WV; Middletown, OH; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and ultimately to his beloved Howey-in-the-Hills. He never did "retire." At the age of 90, he was still conducting 3 church services and 3 Bible studies each week at the Lake County Correctional Institute, serving as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, working in the church visitation program, and guiding the building of the new church building for Berean Baptist. Always the competitive yet gentlemanly sportsman, he and Betty Lou played tennis several times a week, as well as hiking, wilderness camping and river rafting throughout their lives. His life has been rich - rich with happiness and love and the satisfaction of the true servant who has performed the service that has been the guiding principle for all of his life. We thank our gracious, loving and merciful God for giving Lowell the strength and purpose to accomplish so much, and touch so many lives over his 90 years. Lowell has now been welcomed into his eternal home, where the angels celebrate his new life, where faith has become sight and God Himself greets him at his daily morning devotions.11 He was born on May 23, 1922 at Minden, Fayette Co., West Virginia.2,7,3,4,5,6 He married Betty Lou Hardman on June 24, 1950 at Clendenin, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.2 Lowell Andrew Prater died on January 11, 2013 at Florida at age 90.3,6

Census Records

1930Dwelling 111, District 12, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia8
1940Dwelling 31, District 10-12, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia9

Family

Betty Lou Hardman b. September 23, 1927, d. February 12, 2016
Marriage*Lowell Andrew Prater married Betty Lou Hardman on June 24, 1950 at Clendenin, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.2 
Children
  • Paula Prater11
  • Diane Prater11
  • Stephen Prater11
  • Nona Prater11

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the James W. Prater obituary in the Oct 5, 1962 edition.
  2. [S996] West Virginia Division of Culture and History, online http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/, from the Prater-Hardman marriage record.
  3. [S212] Florida National Cemetery, Sumter Co., Florida, online http://www.interment.net/data/us/fl/sumter/flornat/florida%5Fpippou.htm
  4. [S5627] FamilySearch, West Virginia, Births Index, 1804-1938.
  5. [S3706] 1926–1975, RG 147. The National Archives at Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia Records of the Selective Service System, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
  6. [S1405] National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006.
  7. [S1576] VA, USA: National Publishing Co., 1946 Young American Patriots. Richmond, U. S., World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945.
  8. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  9. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  10. [S616] Charleston Gazette, From the Nona H. Prater obituary in the Mar 3, 1947 edition.
  11. [S6391] Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, online www.beyersfuneralhome.com, From the Lowell Prater obituary.

Betty Lou Hardman1

F, b. September 23, 1927, d. February 12, 2016
     Betty Lou Hardman was buried at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW. 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Sumter Co., Florida.2 She was born on September 23, 1927 at Kanawha Co., West Virginia.1,2 As of June 24, 1950,her married name was Prater.1 She married Lowell Andrew Prater, son of James Washington "Ty" Prater and Nona Hearl Fisher, on June 24, 1950 at Clendenin, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.1 Betty Lou Hardman died on February 12, 2016 at age 88.2

Family

Lowell Andrew Prater b. May 23, 1922, d. January 11, 2013
Marriage*She married Lowell Andrew Prater, son of James Washington "Ty" Prater and Nona Hearl Fisher, on June 24, 1950 at Clendenin, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.1 
Children
  • Paula Prater3
  • Diane Prater3
  • Stephen Prater3
  • Nona Prater3

Citations

  1. [S996] West Virginia Division of Culture and History, online http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/, from the Prater-Hardman marriage record.
  2. [S212] Florida National Cemetery, Sumter Co., Florida, online http://www.interment.net/data/us/fl/sumter/flornat/florida%5Fpippou.htm
  3. [S6391] Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, online www.beyersfuneralhome.com, From the Lowell Prater obituary.

Betty Jane Chandler1,2,3

F, b. February 11, 1924
     Betty Jane Chandler was born on February 11, 1924 at Minden, Fayette Co., West Virginia.2 As of February 16, 1944,her married name was Prater.3 She married Raymond Allen Prater, son of James Washington "Ty" Prater and Nona Hearl Fisher, on February 16, 1944 at Washington, D.C..1,3

Family

Raymond Allen Prater b. October 3, 1920, d. March 15, 1999
Marriage*Betty Jane Chandler married Raymond Allen Prater, son of James Washington "Ty" Prater and Nona Hearl Fisher, on February 16, 1944 at Washington, D.C..1,3 
Child
  • Raymond Allen Prater Jr.4

Citations

  1. [S1576] VA, USA: National Publishing Co., 1946 Young American Patriots. Richmond, U. S., World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945.
  2. [S2878] FamilySearch, West Virginia, Births Index, 1853-1969.
  3. [S11409] Unknown compiler, Washington, D.C., U.S., Marriage Records, 1810-1953.
  4. [S616] Charleston Gazette, From the Nona H. Prater obituary in the Mar 3, 1947 edition.

Jeffrey Clinton Prater1,2,3

M, b. April 15, 1957, d. November 24, 2007
FatherElsie Howard Prater1,3,4,5 b. January 8, 1924, d. June 22, 1993
MotherBetty Mae Harler1,3,5 b. July 11, 1925, d. July 2, 1997
     Jeffrey Clinton Prater was buried at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia, Lexington Co., South Carolina.2 His Social Security Number was 249-17-4563.6 He was born on April 15, 1957 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.1,6,2,3 He died on November 24, 2007 at West Columbia, Lexington Co., South Carolina, at age 50.1,6,2 He Services for Jeffrey Clinton Prater, 50, of West Columbia, will be held Friday. Mr. Prater passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2007. Born in Oak Hill, WV, he was the son of the late E. Howard and Betty Harler Prater. He has been an area resident for the past 40 years, formerly from Winston-Salem, NC. Surviving are his daughter, Maggie Prater; son, Clint Prater, both of West Columbia; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Gary Turner of Chapin; brother, David Prater of Kennesaw, GA. on December 5, 2007.1

Family

Children
  • Maggie Prater1
  • Clint Prater1

Citations

  1. [S2023] Beaufort Gazette, The, From the Jeffrey Clinton Prater obituary in the Dec 5, 2007 edition.
  2. [S10491] Celestial Memorial Gardens, Lexington Co., SC, online www.findagrave.com.
  3. [S5627] FamilySearch, West Virginia, Births Index, 1804-1938.
  4. [S1618] State, The, From the Elsie Howard Prater obituary in the Jun 24, 1993 edition.
  5. [S1618] State, The, From the Ann H. Turner obituary in the May 21, 2010 edition.
  6. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.

Ann Herl Prater1,2,3

F, b. September 9, 1948, d. May 19, 2010
FatherElsie Howard Prater1,2,4 b. January 8, 1924, d. June 22, 1993
MotherBetty Mae Harler1,4 b. July 11, 1925, d. July 2, 1997
     Her married name was Niday.2 Her Social Security Number was 234-80-8548.5 Ann Herl Prater married Unknown Niday.2 Ann Herl Prater was born on September 9, 1948 at Kincaid, Fayette Co., West Virginia.5,4 As of November, 1967,her married name was Zingle.3 She married Kenneth Lawrence Zingle in November, 1967 at Richland Co., South Carolina.3 As of circa 2010,her married name was Turner.4 Ann Herl Prater married Gary L. Turner circa 2010.1,4 Ann Herl Prater died on May 19, 2010 at Lexington, Lexington Co., South Carolina, at age 61.5,4 She Ann H. Turner, 61, passed away in Lexington Medical Center on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Ann was born in Kincaid, WV, September 9, 1948, to the late E. Howard Prater and Betty Harler Prater. She was a nurse at S.C. Oncology Associates in Columbia in GYN Oncology. Ann was a caring nurse to many cancer patients. She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi. Ann is survived by her loving husband of almost nine years, Gary L. Turner; children, Jill Zingle, Jennifer Como (Vincent), and Jeremy Niday (Jennifer); stepsons, Michael Turner (Sonya), Jeffrey Turner (Staci), and Christopher Turner; grandchildren, Jackson Niday, Jacob Niday, Dominick Como, Liam Como, Morgan Turner, Megan Turner and Molly Turner; niece, Maggie Prater; nephew, Clint Prater; and brother, David Prater. She was predeceased by her brother, Jeffrey Prater. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Tripp Jones, Dr. Fred Kudrick and the staff at S.C. Oncology Associates and to the staff at Lexington Medical Center for their care and concern. on May 21, 2010.4

Family 1

Unknown Niday
Marriage*She married Unknown Niday.2 
Children
  • Jeremy B. Niday4
  • Jennifer Niday4

Family 2

Kenneth Lawrence Zingle b. June 1, 1940, d. May 25, 2008
Marriage*Ann Herl Prater married Kenneth Lawrence Zingle in November, 1967 at Richland Co., South Carolina.3 
Child
  • Jill Zingle4

Family 3

Gary L. Turner
Marriage*Ann Herl Prater married Gary L. Turner circa 2010.1,4 

Citations

  1. [S2023] Beaufort Gazette, The, From the Jeffrey Clinton Prater obituary in the Dec 5, 2007 edition.
  2. [S1618] State, The, From the Elsie Howard Prater obituary in the Jun 24, 1993 edition.
  3. [S13318] Columbia Record, The, From the marriage license listings in the Nov 20, 1967 edition.
  4. [S1618] State, The, From the Ann H. Turner obituary in the May 21, 2010 edition.
  5. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.

Larry Rice1,2

M, b. July 18, 1944, d. June 4, 2016
FatherElmer Rice1,2,3 b. January 9, 1907, d. March 12, 1972
MotherPearl Juanita Beckelheimer1,2,3 b. February 1, 1912, d. September 28, 1980
     Larry Rice was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.2 He Larry Rice, 71, of Oak Hill, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2016. Born July 18, 1944 in Amigo, WV, he was the son of the late Elmer and Pearl Juanita Beckelhimer Rice. Larry was a retired coal miner having last worked for Ranger Fuel. He loved hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a proud supporter of all veterans. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Nelson Eddie and William G. Rice. Larry is survived by his wife Christina Ann Rice; sons, Larry Allen and Michelle of Oak Hill, Jerry Wayne and Angie of Oak Hill; daughter, Michele Rice of Beckley; grandchildren, Robert, Cody, Hunter, Maci, Tyler, Lauren, Jared, Alyssa; great grandchildren, Kaleigh, Caden; brother, Elmer Rice, Jr. and Marietta of Sophia; sister-in-law, Joann Rice of Pensacola, FL. The family would like to give a special thanks to Larry’s caregiver, Lisa. A private committal service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Pastor Roger Pauley officiating.2 He married Christina Ann Unknown.2 Larry Rice was born on July 18, 1944 at Amigo, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.2 He died on June 4, 2016 at West Virginia at age 71.2

Family

Christina Ann Unknown
Marriage*He married Christina Ann Unknown.2 
Children
  • Larry Rice2
  • Jerry Wayne Rice2
  • Michele Rice2

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the Elmer Rice obituary in the Mar 13, 1972 edition.
  2. [S7998] Calfee Funeral Home, online www.calfeefuneralhome.com, From the Larry Rice obituary.
  3. [S1795] Pensacola News Journal, From the William G. Rice obituary in the Apr 9, 2016 edition.

Virginia Mae/May Richmond1,2,3

F, b. December 6, 1949, d. January 13, 1998
FatherWilliam Hubert Richmond1,2,4 b. July 7, 1916, d. November 14, 1973
MotherInez Luella Pigg1,2,4,3 b. March 10, 1926, d. April 26, 2001
     Virginia Mae/May Richmond was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.5,4 Her Social Security Number was 232-84-6742.6 She and Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. were divorced.4 Virginia Mae/May Richmond was born on December 6, 1949 at Glen Morgan, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.2,6 As of July 13, 1968,her married name was Smith.2 She married Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 Virginia Mae/May Richmond died on January 13, 1998 at New Haven, Allen Co., Indiana, at age 48.6,4,3 She Virginia May Smith, 48, died Tuesday at home. Born in Beckley, W.Va., she was a waitress and housekeeper. Surviving are two sons, Bryan and Dennis E. II, both of New Haven; her mother, Inez Richmond of Blue Jay, W.Va; a sister, Linda Nicholas of Glen Morgan, W.Va; and three brothers, Richard Richmond and Danny Richmond, both of Blue Jay, and William H. Richmond Jr. of Shady Springs, W.Va. Services pending through Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Cemetery, Beckley. on January 15, 1998.3

Family

Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. b. December 14, 1949, d. January 13, 1998
Divorce*She and Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. were divorced.4 
Marriage* Virginia Mae/May Richmond married Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 
Children
  • Bryan Smith3
  • Dennis Eugene Smith II3

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the William Hubert Richmond obituary in the Nov 16, 1973 edition.
  2. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  3. [S1843] Journal Gazette, The, From the Virginia May Smith obituary in the Jan 15, 1998 edition.
  4. [S5629] Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011.
  5. [S2424] Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Raleigh Co., WV, online http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&GSln=collins&GSfn=billy&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=52&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=17767566&CRid=77796&df=all&
  6. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.

Dennie Eugene Smith Sr.1,2

M, b. December 14, 1949, d. January 13, 1998
     Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. and Virginia Mae/May Richmond were divorced.3 Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.4 He was born on December 14, 1949 at West Virginia.2 He married Virginia Mae/May Richmond, daughter of William Hubert Richmond and Inez Luella Pigg, on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. died on January 13, 1998 at age 48.

Family

Virginia Mae/May Richmond b. December 6, 1949, d. January 13, 1998
Divorce*He and Virginia Mae/May Richmond were divorced.3 
Marriage* Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. married Virginia Mae/May Richmond, daughter of William Hubert Richmond and Inez Luella Pigg, on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,2 
Children
  • Bryan Smith5
  • Dennis Eugene Smith II5

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the William Hubert Richmond obituary in the Nov 16, 1973 edition.
  2. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  3. [S5629] Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011.
  4. [S2424] Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Raleigh Co., WV, online http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&GSln=collins&GSfn=billy&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=52&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=17767566&CRid=77796&df=all&
  5. [S1843] Journal Gazette, The, From the Virginia May Smith obituary in the Jan 15, 1998 edition.

Ronald Ray Cooney1,2,3,4,5,6

M, b. July 13, 1938, d. March 29, 1992
FatherLeonard Cooney1,7,6 b. May 10, 1904, d. July 4, 1944
MotherClara Barton Polk1,7,6 b. February 20, 1905, d. May 17, 1976
     His Social Security Number was 233-54-8665.8 Ronald Ray Cooney was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.2,4 He was born on July 13, 1938 at West Virginia.7,8,2,4,9 He married Etha Rae Harris in January, 1959 at Jackson Co., Florida.5 Ronald Ray Cooney married Marion Claudette McElwain on August 9, 1974 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.6 Ronald Ray Cooney died on March 29, 1992 at Alexandria, Virginia, at age 53.3,2,4,9

Census Records

1940Dwelling 726, District 41-37A, Town, Raleigh Co., West Virginia7

Family 1

Etha Rae Harris
Marriage*Ronald Ray Cooney married Etha Rae Harris in January, 1959 at Jackson Co., Florida.5 
Child

Family 2

Marion Claudette McElwain b. January 12, 1937, d. March 18, 1999
Marriage*Ronald Ray Cooney married Marion Claudette McElwain on August 9, 1974 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.6 

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the Clara Barton Cooney obituary in the May 18, 1976 edition.
  2. [S3235] Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Co., VA, online http://www.findagrave.com
  3. [S5149] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014.
  4. [S1405] National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006.
  5. [S1369] Florida Department of Health, Florida Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 & 1927-2001.
  6. [S2040] Gazette-Mail, From the Cooney-McElwain marriage announcement in the Aug 11, 1974 edition.
  7. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  9. [S3600] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010.
  10. [S8403] Brown Family Tree, online https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/102142268/person/220079589491/facts

Joyce Ann Cooney1,2

F, b. circa May, 1940, d. April 14, 1971
FatherLeonard Cooney1,3,2 b. May 10, 1904, d. July 4, 1944
MotherClara Barton Polk1,3,2,4 b. February 20, 1905, d. May 17, 1976
     Joyce Ann Cooney was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.4 She was born circa May, 1940 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.3,2 As of November 6, 1964,her married name was Watkins.2 She married Paul Watkins on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.2 Joyce Ann Cooney died on April 14, 1971 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.4,5 She Kerosene traces found at scene of fatal fire. Use of kerosene in the first-floor hallway of the building in which fire killed three persons early Wednesday was determined Thursday, Acting Fire Chief Joseph Devine said. A chemical analysis disclosed that kerosene had been used in the hallway where the three-alarm blaze originated, Devine added. Officials lacked knowledge, however, of a specific suspect or motive for the fire which killed Paul Watkins, 27, his wife, Joyce, 30, and their son, Paul Allen, five, on the third floor of the building at 6 E. 13th St. Sgt. Eugene Moore, Homicide Squad, said detectives questioned two possible suspects Wednesday and Thursday, but could find no evidence that either was connected with starting the fire. "We have no evidence at this point that foul play was involved, but we are investigating the possibility," Moore said. "At this point, none of the elements of a crime have been uncovered. "The fire department could only tell us there was a probability of arson, because of indications some sort of flammable material was used." Funeral services for the Watkins family will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at the Calfee Funeral Home, Beckely, W. Va. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Mr. Watkins is survived by his father, Bernie, Cincinnati, and mother, Mrs. Florence Campbell. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her mother, Mrs. Clara Cooney, Beckley, and brother, Donald Cooney, Richmond, Ky. on April 16, 1971.4

Census Records

1940Dwelling 726, District 41-37A, Town, Raleigh Co., West Virginia3

Family

Paul Watkins b. circa 1941, d. April 14, 1971
Marriage*Joyce Ann Cooney married Paul Watkins on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.2 
Child

Citations

  1. [S1863] Beckley Post Herald, From the Clara Barton Cooney obituary in the May 18, 1976 edition.
  2. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  3. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S2835] Cincinnati Enquirer, The, From the Watkins family fire death in the Apr 16, 1971 edition.
  5. [S857] Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-2018.

Paul Watkins1,2,3

M, b. circa 1941, d. April 14, 1971
     Paul Watkins was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.3 He was born circa 1941 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.1 He married Joyce Ann Cooney, daughter of Leonard Cooney and Clara Barton Polk, on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 Paul Watkins died on April 14, 1971 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.2,3 He Kerosene traces found at scene of fatal fire. Use of kerosene in the first-floor hallway of the building in which fire killed three persons early Wednesday was determined Thursday, Acting Fire Chief Joseph Devine said. A chemical analysis disclosed that kerosene had been used in the hallway where the three-alarm blaze originated, Devine added. Officials lacked knowledge, however, of a specific suspect or motive for the fire which killed Paul Watkins, 27, his wife, Joyce, 30, and their son, Paul Allen, five, on the third floor of the building at 6 E. 13th St. Sgt. Eugene Moore, Homicide Squad, said detectives questioned two possible suspects Wednesday and Thursday, but could find no evidence that either was connected with starting the fire. "We have no evidence at this point that foul play was involved, but we are investigating the possibility," Moore said. "At this point, none of the elements of a crime have been uncovered. "The fire department could only tell us there was a probability of arson, because of indications some sort of flammable material was used." Funeral services for the Watkins family will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at the Calfee Funeral Home, Beckely, W. Va. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Mr. Watkins is survived by his father, Bernie, Cincinnati, and mother, Mrs. Florence Campbell. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her mother, Mrs. Clara Cooney, Beckley, and brother, Donald Cooney, Richmond, Ky. on April 16, 1971.3

Family

Joyce Ann Cooney b. circa May, 1940, d. April 14, 1971
Marriage*He married Joyce Ann Cooney, daughter of Leonard Cooney and Clara Barton Polk, on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 
Child

Citations

  1. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  2. [S857] Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-2018.
  3. [S2835] Cincinnati Enquirer, The, From the Watkins family fire death in the Apr 16, 1971 edition.