Person Page - 3086

     Rice William "R.W." Akers Jr. was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,2 He was born on March 8, 1933 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,2 He married Eleanor Rebecca Johnson on December 26, 1953 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2,4,7 Rice William "R.W." Akers Jr. died on September 12, 1997 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.^5,2 He AKERS, Rice William Jr., ("R. W."), 64, of Ferrum, passed away Friday, September 12, 1997, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born on March 8, 1933, in Franklin County, he was a son of the late Rice and Josie Brammer Akers. He was preceded in death by two children, Josie and Jeff Akers. He was a retired rural letter carrier with 35 years of service at Ferrum Post Office. He was a member and Deacon of Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Eleanor Johnson Akers of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Charlie Rutrough Jr. of Ferrum; seven sons and four daughters-in-law, Rice William III ("Billy") and Virginia Akers of Callaway, Clifton Akers of Ferrum, Doyle and Annette Akers of Glade Hill, Elbert Akers of Ferrum, Darrell and Renae Akers of Callaway, Versel Akers and Cheryl Hill of Rocky Mount, Pernell Akers and Jill Hodges of Ferrum, and Linda Kennedy. Surviving grandchildren are Janie and Eugene Adkins, Charlotte, Hollie, Connie, Bonnie and Charlie Rutrough III, Katie, Brandy and Rice Akers IV, Melinda, Ralph, Josh, Ginger, Alecia, E. W., Heather, Josie and Christina Akers, Nicole Ashwell, J. J., Michael and Rebecca Akers; great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Justin Adkins; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruby and Ralph Hale of Roanoke, and Marie and Charlie Davis of Collinsville; one brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Margie Akers of Rocky Mount; three aunts and one uncle, Irene and Ralph Vest of Floyd, Myrtle Akers of Floyd and Crick et Akers of New Market, and many nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. on September 14, 1997.²

     His Social Security Number was 231-16-1544.⁷ Ralph Mitchell Hale was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² He was born on January 4, 1921 at Roanoke, Virginia.^7,3,5,6,8 He married Ruby Elizabeth Akers, daughter of Rice William Akers Sr. and Josie Ethel Brammer, on June 7, 1947 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2,9,3 Ralph Mitchell Hale died on June 2, 2008 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 87.^2,7,4,8 He Ralph Mitchell Hale, 87, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, June 2, 2008. Ralph valiantly, served his country as a Navy Seabee during WWII in the Pacific Theater and after sacrifices to defend this Nation then became a loving husband of sixty (60) years to his wife Ruby, until her death on September 13, 2007, and devoted father. He contributed over forty (40) years of service to Norfolk Southern Railway and loved to manage his farm in Roanoke County. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruby Akers Hale, and his parents William F. Hale and Ollie Thomas Hale. He was also, predeceased by his sister, Ruth and brother, Clarence, who died during the influenza epidemic of the 1920's. Ralph is survived by his sons, Lance Mitchell Hale, Esquire and wife, Terry Lynn Hale, Dr. Alan Akers Hale and wife, Julie Scheiman Hale; grandchildren, Christina Nicole Hale Thomas, Laura Michelle Hale, Layna Maribeth Hale, Logan Mitchell Hale, Ian Bruce Hale, Vanessa Crystal Hale and Joseph Bryan Hale; and five great-grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by a brother, Ray Cecil Hale and wife, Anne; sisters-in-law, Marie Davis and husband, Charles and Eleanor Akers; a brother-in-law, Ralph Akers and wife, Margie; and many other extended family. Ralph is, also, survived by childhood friend, Melvin Hobson, and former co-worker at Norfolk Southern Railway and friend, Wallace Dowdy. Ralph held great appreciation for his caregivers Anthony James Campellone, Jr., and his wife, Corrie E. Campellone. Ralph and his family join with great appreciation to the staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center, especially those special people who assisted him on Unit 1 East. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. on June 4, 2008.²

     Ralph Davis Akers was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^8,7 He Ralph Davis Akers, Jun 4, 1937 - Oct 9, 2019. Ralph Davis Akers, age 82 of Rocky Mount, passed away on Wednesday, October 9th 2019 after complications from a stroke. He was a member and former Elder of Rocky Mount Christian Church and was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Margie Fralin Akers; parents, Rice William Akers Sr. and Josie Brammer Akers; his siblings, Ruby Akers Hale, and Rice William Jr.. Ralph is survived by his sister, Doris Marie Davis; daughter, Linda Akers Griffith; grandchildren, Jessica Griffith Perry (Devin), John David Griffith, and Zachary Lee Vest; great-grandchildren, Andrew Dwight Perry and Hunter Davis Perry; numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph had a lifelong love of bluegrass music and played the banjo and autoharp with several bands including the Hawpatch Mountain Boys. Interment will be private at Franklin Memorial Park.⁷ He was born on June 4, 1937 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,7 He married Margie Dorothy Lene Fralin on June 29, 1957 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,4,7 Ralph Davis Akers died on October 9, 2019 at Virginia at age 82.⁷

     Her Social Security Number was 230-40-5032.⁴ Margie Dorothy Lene Fralin was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,5 She was born on August 29, 1932 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,4 As of June 29, 1957,her married name was Akers.² She married Ralph Davis Akers, son of Rice William Akers Sr. and Josie Ethel Brammer, on June 29, 1957 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,6 Margie Dorothy Lene Fralin Margie Fralin Akers, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. She was a member of Rocky Mount Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Mabel Fralin; her brother, Clarence Fralin; and her sisters, Marie Shively (Curtis) and Virginia Hodges (Lloyd). Margie is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Ralph Akers; her daughter, Linda Griffith (Gary); grandchildren, Jessica Perry (Devin) and John Griffith; great-grandchild, Andrew Perry; nephew, Ricky Fralin (Sarah); many other family and friends. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. on January 4, 2013.¹ She died on January 2, 2014 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.^1,7,4

     Doris Marie Akers Marie Akers Davis, 95, of Collinsville, Va. passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Sovah-Health Martinsville. She was born on April 9, 1926 to the late Rice Akers and Josie Brammer Akers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lee Davis Sr. Mrs. Davis attended National Business College at Ferrum College and was employed for 40 years at Bassett Bank. She made sourdough bread for over 39 years. She loved to travel, loved time with her family and cooking. She was a member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church and was involved in the Women’s Circle. She is survived by her sons, Charles Lee Davis (Nancy) and Kevin Lang Davis; granddaughters, Megan McGregor (Scott) and Erica Enniss (Jeff); great-grandchildren, Liam and Davis McGregor, and Emersyn and Adley Enniss. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.⁶ She was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.⁶ She was born on April 9, 1926 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,6 As of May 5, 1946,her married name was Davis.⁵ She married Charles Lee "Charlie" Davis Sr. on May 5, 1946 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,7,5 Doris Marie Akers died on April 5, 2022 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 95.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 224-24-9386.⁸ Charles Lee "Charlie" Davis Sr. Charles Lee Davis, Sr., 89, of Collinsville, Va. passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Select Specialty Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Born in Charlotte Court House, Va. on July 29, 1923, he was a son of the late Lera Willis Davis and George Nelson Davis. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, George Robert Davis and Harry Henry Davis. Mr. Davis was retired from EI DuPont, Inc. with 36 years of service. He graduated by correspondence from Lincoln Institute with a four year degree. He was a member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church of Collinsville. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Doris Marie Davis of the home; son, Charles Lee Davis, Jr. and wife, Nancy M. Davis of Richmond, Va; son, Kevin Lang Davis of Bassett, Va; sister, Thelma Louise Price of Roanoke, Va; sister, Hazel Marie Henderson and husband, Jim Henderson of Rocky Mt., Va; sister-in-law, Mary Evlyn Davis of Vinton, Va; grandchildren, Megan Nicole McGregor of Pulaski, Erica Lang Davis of Bassett and great-grandson, Liam Scott McGregor of Pulaski. Interment will be in Roselawn Burial Park, Martinsville.⁷ He was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.⁷ He was born on July 29, 1923 at Charlotte Court House, Charlotte Co., Virginia.^3,5,8,6,7 He married Doris Marie Akers, daughter of Rice William Akers Sr. and Josie Ethel Brammer, on May 5, 1946 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Charles Lee "Charlie" Davis Sr. died on June 20, 2013 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 89.^8,7

     Eleanor Rebecca Johnson was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.³ She Eleanor Johnson Akers, Mar 28, 1934 - Aug 17, 2018. Eleanor Johnson Akers, age 84 of Ferrum, VA passed away Friday, August 17, 2018 at her home. She will now be reunited with her late husband of 43 years, Rice W. Akers, Jr. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter Josie Ethel Akers; a son John Jefferson Akers, Sr; and a grandson John Jefferson Akers, Jr. Surviving are her children Billy Akers (Jenny), Gail Rutrough (Charlie, Jr.), Clifton Akers, Doyle Akers (Allyce Thorsen), Elbert Akers (Tammy Hodges), Darrell Akers (Serena), Versel Akers (Lisa), and Pernell Akers. Also surviving are twenty five grandchildren, thirty seven great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, four brothers and one sister. Special grandchildren, Heather Akers and E. W. Akers. A graveside service will be held at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.³ She was born on March 28, 1934 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,2,3,4 As of December 26, 1953,her married name was Akers.² She married Rice William "R.W." Akers Jr., son of Rice William Akers Sr. and Josie Ethel Brammer, on December 26, 1953 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,2,3 Eleanor Rebecca Johnson died on August 17, 2018 at Ferrum, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 84.²

     Lena Randolph Akers was buried at Akers Family Cemetery, 1263 River Ridge Road, N36 58.479 W80 10.080, Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on January 3, 1893 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She died on November 11, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 2.^1,2

     Her Social Security Number was 223-38-8633.³ Myrtle Lee Fralin was buried at Cannaday Family Cemetery, River Ridge Road SE, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 She was born on March 23, 1903 at Pizarro, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 As of circa 1923,her married name was Akers.⁵ She married Elbert Jefferson "Pap" Akers, son of Jefferson Davis "Jeff" Akers and Della May/Mae Cannaday, circa 1923.⁵ Myrtle Lee Fralin and Elbert Jefferson "Pap" Akers were divorced in 1940 at Hillsborough Co., Florida.⁶ Myrtle Lee Fralin died on November 13, 2001 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 98.^3,1 She AKERS, Myrtle Fralin, 98, of Floyd, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at Skyline Manor Nursing Home. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Ada Lee and Harmon Williams, Floyd; one grandson and wife, Larry and Cathy Williams, Boones Mill; two granddaughters and husbands, Sandra and Donny Thompson, Roanoke, Carol Ann and Tony Bowman, Pembroke; one great-granddaughter and husband, Donna and Charles Laurens, Virginia Beach; three great-grandsons, Dwayne Thompson, Floyd, Jason Hall and Lorne Bowman, both of Pembroke; three great-great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Charlie and Chandler Laurens, all of Virginia Beach; two sisters, Irene Allen and Alma Fralin, both of Copper Hill; one aunt, Cassie Fralin, Bent Mountain and several nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in Cannaday Cemetery. on November 14, 2001.¹

     Josie Ethel Akers was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,5 She was born on October 2, 1973 at Roanoke, Virginia.² She died on October 2, 1973 at Roanoke, Virginia.² She Infant Akers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Akers, Jr. passed away Tuesday in a Roanoke hospital. Also surviving, one sister, Mrs. Gail Rutrough, Ferrum; seven brothers, R. W. Akers, III, Jeff Akers, Clifton Akers, Doyle Akers, Elbert Akers, Darrell Akers, and Versel Akers, all of the home; her maternal grandparents, Mrs. Etta Johnson, Rocky Mount; Mr. Doyle Johnson, Rocky Mount; her paternal grandfather, Mr. R. W. Akers, Ferrum. Graveside services will be conducted at the Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. on October 3, 1973.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 230-92-5611.⁹ John Jefferson "Jeff" Akers Sr. was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.^10,7 He was born on February 18, 1958 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^9,4,5,6 He married Janice Ruth Morrison on April 29, 1977 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ John Jefferson "Jeff" Akers Sr. and Janice Ruth Morrison were divorced on June 12, 1980.⁵ John Jefferson "Jeff" Akers Sr. married Linda Sue Ashwell on October 18, 1980 at Mountain Falls, Frederick Co., Virginia.^2,5 John Jefferson "Jeff" Akers Sr. died on January 10, 1990 at Arkansas at age 31.^9,7 He John Jefferson (Jeff) Akers, Sr., age 31, of Nashville, Ark., and formerly of Ferrum, died Wednesday, January 10, 1990. Surviving are his wife, Linda A. Akers; two daughters, Nichole Akers and Rebecca Akers; two sons, John J. Akers, Jr., and Michael Akers; his parents, R. W. and Eleanor J. Akers, Ferrum, one sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Junior Rutrough, Ferrum; seven brothers and two sisters in law, Rice and Virginia Akers, Clifton Akers, Doyle Akers, Elbert and Tammy Akers, Darrell Akers, Versel Akers, and Pernell Akers, all of Ferrum. Interment will follow in Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. on January 12, 1990.⁷

     Gail Belinda Akers Gail Belinda Rutrough, May 29, 1956 - Apr 16, 2023. Gail Belinda Rutrough, 66, of Ferrum, Virginia, after fighting a hard courageous battle with cancer passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023. She is suffering no more but instead celebrating in heaven with her grandchildren, Ryan William McGhee and Hope Leigh Newell. She is survived by her loving husband, Charlie Rutrough Jr; her six children, Janie Adkins (Eugene), Charlotte Hall, Hollie McGhee (Matthew), Charlie Rutrough III, Connie Newell (John), and Bonnie Martin (Calvin). Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Rebecca Adkins, Justin Adkins (Sarah), Paris Hall, Ashlynn Hall, Andrew McGhee, Gatlin Patterson, Harleigh Patterson, Tristan Patterson, Kimber Patterson, Emily Cahill, and CJ Martin; and four great-grandchildren, Jayce Sturgill, Rowan Sturgill, Brayden Townsend, and Eliza Adkins. Gail was a loving wife, devoted mother, and doting Grandma. She was an avid crafter, who could always be found sewing whether on a yo-yo circle, a quilt for a loved one, or a requested project. Her greatest treasure of all was her family and even throughout her illness, she bragged upon them and selflessly put them first. A graveside service will be held at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.⁶ She was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.⁶ She was born on May 29, 1956 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3 As of August 17, 1973,her married name was Rutrough.³ She married Charlie William Rutrough Jr. on August 17, 1973 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,5,3,6 Gail Belinda Akers died on April 16, 2023 at Virginia at age 66.⁶

     Rice William "Billy" Akers III Rice William Akers III, age 70 of Callaway, Virginia went to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Billy, as most knew him, is suffering no more. Billy was born December 23, 1954 to the late R. W. Akers, Jr. and Eleanor Akers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Josie Akers and Gail Rutrough; two brothers, Jeff Akers and Doyle Akers. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jenny Akers; three children, Katie Howlett (Bryon), Brandy Torrence (Chris), and Rice Akers, IV. Also left to cherish his memory are two granddaughters, Jolee Hairston and Lorlie Torrence; five brothers, Clifton Akers, Elbert Akers, Darrell Akers (Serena), Versel Akers, and Pernell Akers; one brother-in-law, Charlie Rutrough, Jr; numerous nieces, nephews, and several aunts and uncles.⁵ He was born on December 23, 1954 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,4,5 He married Virginia Lee Beckner, daughter of Claude Thomas Beckner and Delphia Elizabeth Guilliams, on February 28, 1976 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,7 Rice William "Billy" Akers III died on March 20, 2025 at Virginia at age 70.⁵

     Doyle Hampton Akers Doyle Hampton Akers, May 27, 1962 - November 27, 2022. Doyle Hampton Akers age 60 of Sandy Level and formerly of Ferrum passed away at his home on Sunday, November 27, 2022.² He was born on May 27, 1962 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Tracy Lynn Boyd on September 4, 1982 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁴ Doyle Hampton Akers and Tracy Lynn Boyd were divorced on September 6, 1988 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ Doyle Hampton Akers married Carol Annette Fralin on October 29, 1993 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁴ Doyle Hampton Akers and Carol Annette Fralin were divorced on December 10, 2013 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ Doyle Hampton Akers died on November 27, 2022 at Sandy Level, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, at age 60.²

     Lucile Addie "Cricket" Akers was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,5 Her Social Security Number was 225-36-8950.⁷ She was born on May 16, 1914 at Virginia.^8,7 As of July 8, 1940,her married name was Akers.⁴ She married Elbert Jefferson "Pap" Akers, son of Jefferson Davis "Jeff" Akers and Della May/Mae Cannaday, on July 8, 1940 at Orange Co., Florida.^5,4,9,10 Lucile Addie "Cricket" Akers died on February 20, 2005 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 90.^6,7,5,9 She Lucile “Cricket” Akers, age 90, formerly of New Market, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2005. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Elbert J. “Pap” Akers, her parents, Rufus and Bertie Akers, and three siblings, brothers, Ray and Fred Akers and sister, BeBe Showalter. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Ada Lee and Harmon Williams of Floyd; three grandchildren and spouses: Sandra and Donny Thompson, of Roanoke, Larry and Cathy Williams, of Boones Mill, and Carol Ann and Tony Bowman, of Pembroke; five great-grandchildren and spouses: Donna and Charles Laurens, of Virginia Beach, Dwayne and Carol Thompson, of Floyd, Jason and Kim Hall, of Radford, Sebastian Brooks, of Blacksburg, and Lorne Bowman, of Pembroke; three great-great grandchildren, Chelsea, Charlie and Chandler Laurens, of Virginia Beach; three sisters-in-law, Janice May, of Shenandoah, Jeanette Akers, of Christiansburg; and Irene Vest, of Floyd; special friends, Sandy and Sandra Lucas, of Roanoke; and Willie and Janet Bowles, of Callaway; many nephews, nieces and friends. Funeral service was held at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. on February 24, 2005.⁵

     Robert Bruce Showalter was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6,7 His Social Security Number was 223-28-6510.² He was born on October 4, 1920 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{1,5,2,3,8,9,6,4,10} He married Mary Beatrice "BeBe" Akers, daughter of Rufus Daniel Akers and Bertie Ollie Graham, on September 12, 1947 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,10,11 Robert Bruce Showalter died on April 10, 1998 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 77.^5,2,9,6,10,7 He SHOWALTER, Robert B. Sr.,77, of Christiansburg, died Friday, April 10, 1998. He was a charter member of VFW Post #5311, and also a member of the American Legion Post #59, both of Christiansburg, Va. He was the last living member of the Town of Cambria Town Council. He was a member of the Cambria Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Miles Showalter; one son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Debbie Showalter of Glen Allen, Va; two grandchildren, Robbie and Tiffany Showalter of Glen Allen, Va; four stepdaughters and husbands, Paula and Rodney Smith of Forest City, N.C., Paulette and Larry Bailey of Lynchburg, Va., Pamela and Roy Robinson of Culpepper, Va., Pandora and Carroll Crider of Dayton, Va; eight step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Obenchain, A. Kathleen Ingram of Hampton, Va., Helen I. Leeper of Tallahassee, Fla. on April 12, 1998.⁷

     Robert Dale Vest was born on August 1, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3 He married Lena Evelyn Smith, daughter of John Hampton Smith and Bonnie Annie Laurie Cannaday, on October 16, 1969 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,3,7,4 Robert Dale Vest died on October 18, 2017 at Virginia at age 76.⁴ He Robert (Dale) Vest, 76, of Floyd, Va., completed the final lap of his earthly race on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. There to greet him at the gates of Heaven were his devoted of wife of 53 years, Lena E. Smith Vest; and his parents, Ralph B. Vest and Irene R. Akers Vest. Dale was a free-spirit, who was charismatic and danced to the tune of his own banjo. He was a generous man, always willing to help others. He was well-known for his unique sense of humor and practical jokes. Many will remember him for his entertaining one-liners and sayings. Dale was employed for a number of years at Pet Dairy. He also operated his own successful business, Dale Vest Refrigeration, for over 20 years. In his later years, Dale was a cattle farmer. He played as hard as he worked. Dale was a very talented bluegrass musician as well as a lover of bluegrass music. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed many other types of racing. Dale was a car enthusiast. He also participated in 4X4 racing, winning many races. Dale will be fondly remembered by his three children, Laura E. Vest, Jeffrey D. Vest (Elisabeth) and Catherine I. Hartman (Billy). Referred to as "Poppy" by his grandchildren, he will be affectionately remembered by his favorite granddaughter, Stephanie M. Vest Hubbard (Allen); and her son, his great-grandson, Dylan A. Thompson; as well as grandsons, Charles H. St.Clair and Jason R. Texter. Also left to cherish his memory are many close relatives and special friends. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. There will be an immediate private family service. A celebration of his life to include all other relatives and friends will be announced in the near future. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel. on October 20, 2017.⁴