Person Page - 3347

     Shirley Alfred Epling was buried at Pompano Beach South Lawn Cemetery, 400 SE 23rd Avenue, Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida.^2,5 His Social Security Number was 235-52-3672.⁶ He was born on June 18, 1934 at Ghent, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^1,6,2,3 He married Charlotte Eleanor Thorn, daughter of Herbert Harlow Thorn and Laura Mary Smith, on December 3, 1960 at Hatcher, Mercer Co., West Virginia.¹ Shirley Alfred Epling EPLING - Shirley A., of Pompano Bch, FL died Friday, June 30, 1995. A resident of this area for 12 years formerly of Belpre, OH. Mr. Epling is survived by his wife, Charlotte; sons, Herb of Lake Worth and Eric of Pompano Bch; 2 granddaughters, Erica and Melissa; and his sister, Joann Meeks of Plantation. A Graveside service will be held at the Pompano Bch Cemetery. on June 2, 1995.⁵ He died on June 30, 1995 at Broward Co., Florida, at age 61.^6,2,4,5

     His Social Security Number was 285-62-8911.⁶ Ronald Regan Epling was buried at Pompano Beach South Lawn Cemetery, 400 SE 23rd Avenue, Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida.^7,4 He was born on August 2, 1966 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^6,7,2,3 He died on July 22, 1994 at Broward Co., Florida, at age 27.^6,7,2,4 He EPLING - Ronald R., of Pompano Beach, FL died Friday, July 22, 1994. He has been a resident of the area for about 8 years moving here from Ohio. Ron is survived by his parents, Charlotte and Shirley Epling, Pompano Beach; brothers, Herb, Lake Worth, FL and Eric, of Pompano Beach, FL; along with maternal grandmother, Laura Thorn, of Mullens, W. VA. Burial to follow at Pompano Beach Cemetery. on July 25, 1994.⁴

     Dennis Wayne Fitzgerald Dennis Wayne Fitzgerald, 66, of Mullens, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 in a Huntington hospital following a short illness. Born February 17, 1951 at Sistersville, WV, he was the son of the late Dennis M. and Janet (Fisher) Haythorne Fitzgerald. Wayne was a former Heavy Equipment Operator and a member of the Mullens Pentecostal Holiness Church. In his leisure he enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by his wife, Freda. Those left to cherish his memory include his three sisters, Tina Rucker and her husband, Joel of Sistersville, WV, Lynn Vancamp and her husband, Kenny of Elk Fork, WV, and Glenda Flurharty and her husband, Greg of Sistersville, WV; brother-in-law, Butch Thorn and his wife, Kathy of Mullens; one niece, Brittany Surface and her husband, Craig of Sistersville, WV; one nephew, Billy Morgan of Sistersville, WV; step-mother, Mary Fitzgerald of New Richmond; and many family and friends.² He was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.³ He was born on February 17, 1951 at Sistersville, Tyler Co., West Virginia.² He married Freda Joyce Thorn, daughter of Herbert Harlow Thorn and Laura Mary Smith, circa 1973.^1,4 Dennis Wayne Fitzgerald died on December 28, 2017 at Huntington, Cabell Co., West Virginia, at age 66.²

     Her Social Security Number was 236-60-5348. LaWonne Vadney Bowling was born on October 9, 1939 at Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^1,4,2 As of May 10, 1958,her married name was Thorn.¹ She married Leslie Harlow "Les" Thorn, son of Herbert Harlow Thorn and Laura Mary Smith, on May 10, 1958 at Itmann, Wyoming Co., West Virginia.¹ LaWonne Vadney Bowling and Leslie Harlow "Les" Thorn were divorced on May 16, 1984 at Franklin Co., Ohio.⁵ LaWonne Vadney Bowling died on March 30, 2008 at Fort Myers, Lee Co., Florida, at age 68.^4,3 She LaWonne V. Thorn Fowler, age 68, of Fort Myers, FL died Sunday, March 30, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. LaWonne retired from Sam's Club after 16 years of service. She enjoyed dancing, shopping and giving to others but her greatest love of all was her grandchildren. Survived by her husband, Tom Fowler; mother, Hester Bowling; daughter, Lisa Titus; son, Michael (Tawana) Thorn; grandchildren, Dustin, Ashton and Jordan Titus; stepsons, Vaughn (Michelle) Fowler and Robert (Julie) Fowler; step-grandchildren, Jeremy, Ally, Chase, Vaughn, Nick, Jenny, and Jackie Fowler; great grandchildren, Joey and Maggie; sister, Wynema (Greg) Mott; other relatives and friends. on March 31, 2008.³

     Her Social Security Number was 004-24-4308.¹ Gladys Bubar was buried at Waverly Cemetery, 248-252 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.² She was born on March 21, 1921 at Caribou, Aroostook Co., Maine.^1,2,3 As of April 15, 1944,her married name was Sowder.⁴ She married George White Sowder, son of Clifton Hampton Sowder Sr. and Sarah Bessie McCampbell, on April 15, 1944 at Caribou, Aroostook Co., Maine.⁴ Gladys Bubar died on June 21, 1995 at Colonial Heights, Virginia, at age 74.^1,5,2

     His Social Security Number was 231-14-4500.⁵ Frank Barnhardt Welch was buried at Waverly Cemetery, 248-252 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^2,3,6 He was born on October 16, 1902 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^5,2,3,4,7 He married Mary Eliza Sowder, daughter of Clifton Hampton Sowder Sr. and Sarah Bessie McCampbell, on May 16, 1924 at Campbell Co., Virginia.^{1,8,2,3,6,4,9} Frank Barnhardt Welch died on June 10, 1982 at Richmond, Virginia, at age 79.^2,3,6,9 He Frank B. Welch, 79, a merchant in Waverly for 50 years before retirement, died Thursday in Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Richmond. A native of Bedford County, he was a past president of the Waverly Retail Merchants Association, a member of Waverly Ruritan Club, a deacon and trustee of Waverly Baptist Church, and had been director and a teacher in Waverly Baptist Sunday School. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Mary Sowder Welch; two daughters, Mrs. James A. Thorpe and Mrs. Gurney B. Cowling Sr., both of Waverly; a son, Harold F. Welch of Waverly; a sister, Mrs. Elmer Johnson of Bedford; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Waverly Cemetery. on June 12, 1982.⁶

     Mary Frances Welch was buried at Waverly Cemetery, 248-252 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^3,5 She was born on May 14, 1926 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^3,10,5 As of May 16, 1944,her married name was Thorpe.¹¹ She married James Andrew Thorpe Sr. on May 16, 1944 at Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^3,9,5,7 Mary Frances Welch died on March 11, 2010 at Petersburg, Virginia, at age 83.^3,10,4,5 She Mary Frances Welch Thorpe, 83, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010. Born May 14, 1926 in Bedford County, she was the daughter of the late Frank B. and Mary Sowder Welch. She was the widow of James Andrew Thorpe Sr. She was a devoted member of Waverly Baptist Church serving in many capacities over the years and was an assistant team member of Petersburg Baptist Association. Active in many civic and community organizations during her life. She was a member of the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary, a charter member of the England-Parsons American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Waverly, and a former member of the Waverly Woman's Club. For more than 60 years, she enjoyed the fellowship of her Conasta club friends. She is survived by her children, Mary Judith Gay and her husband, David of Tega Cay, S.C., James Andrew Thorpe Jr. and his wife Patricia of Waverly, Sandra T. Craven of Raleigh, N.C., and Randall Welch Thorpe and his wife Carole of Toano; a sister, Evelyn Welch Cowling of Waverly; a brother, Harold Frank Welch of Waverly; and six grandchildren, Sheri Tomlin and husband Loren, Brad Thorpe and wife Tina, Jill Gregory, Jake Nelson, Hillary A. Tedesco and husband Patrick and Mary Thai Moir and husband Jason; and four great-grandchildren, Casey Tomlin, Bailey Gregory, Piper Gregory, and David James Moir. Burial will follow in Waverly Cemetery. on March 12, 2010.³

     Ruth Evelyn Welch was buried at Waverly Cemetery, 248-252 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.⁸ She COWLING, Evelyn Welch, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Born June 27, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Welch. Mrs. Cowling was a faithful member of Waverly Baptist Church and was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Frances Thorpe; and her grandson, Courtney Cowling. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 71 years, Gurney Branch Cowling Sr; son, Gurney Branch Cowling Jr. and wife, Polly; grandchildren, Branch Cowling, Shawn Cowling and wife, Lori, and Carey Cowling; great-grandchildren, Davis, Bennett, Sloan and Logan; brother, Harold Welch and wife, Betty; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Tina Harris and husband, Don.⁴ She was born on June 27, 1929 at Southampton Co., Virginia.^3,4 As of November 5, 1945,her married name was Cowling.⁶ She married Gurney Branch Cowling Sr. on November 5, 1945 at Camden Co., North Carolina.^5,9,6 Ruth Evelyn Welch died on January 24, 2018 at Virginia at age 88.⁴

     Harold Frank Welch Harold Frank Welch of Waverly passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 27, 2019. Born December 29, 1931 in Franklin County, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Sowder Welch. Mr. Welch owned and operated True Value and was also a rural mail carrier. He was a member of Waverly Baptist Church. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Frances Thorpe and Evelyn Cowling. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Betty B. Welch; daughter, Beth Winchell and her husband, Brian; son Hal Welch and his wife, Karen; grandchildren, Jason Hamnett and his wife, Susan, Becky Avila and her husband, Adam, and Lauren Gurley and her husband, Dalton, and great-grandchildren, Jemma, Josie, and Hudson Hamnett.⁵ He was born on December 29, 1931 at Franklin, Southampton Co., Virginia.^3,4,5 He married Betty Marion Bousman on February 5, 1955 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Harold Frank Welch died on August 27, 2019 at Virginia at age 87.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 230-16-0674.¹⁰ James Andrew Thorpe Sr. was buried at Waverly Cemetery, 248-252 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^4,8 He was born on December 10, 1920 at Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^{10,2,4,5,7,8,9} He married Mary Frances Welch, daughter of Frank Barnhardt Welch and Mary Eliza Sowder, on May 16, 1944 at Waverly, Sussex Co., Virginia.^1,2,4,6 James Andrew Thorpe Sr. died on January 19, 1999 at Suffolk, Virginia, at age 78.^{10,3,4,11,6,8} He James Andrew Thorpe, 78, a lifelong resident of Waverly, died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, Suffolk. He was the son of the late John Andrew and Minnie Robertson Thorpe. He had retired in 1982 after serving as a building contractor in Sussex County and surrounding counties for 42 years. He had also formerly worked as a machinist marine engineer at Norfolk Navel Shipyard in Portsmouth. He served in the U.S. Army, World War II, as a Staff Sergeant, 1101 Army Marine Ship Repair Company, in Okinawa. He was a deacon, teacher and member of numerous committees at Waverly Baptist Church, had served on the Planning Commission for the Town of Waverly for many years, was a former member of the England-Parsons American Legion Post #191, Waverly, and was an honorary member of the Waverly Ruritan Club having served on its board of directors and several committees through the years. An avid sportsman, he was a member of the Waverly Youth Hunt Club. A loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Frances Welch Thorpe; two daughters, Mary Judith T. Gay and her husband, David N. Gay of Tega Cay, S.C. and Sandra Kay T. Nelson of Chester; two sons, James Andrew Thorpe Jr. and his wife Patricia Gwaltney Thorpe of Waverly, and Randall Brown Thorpe and his wife, Carole Brown Thorpe of Chesapeake; two sisters, Gertrude T. Gay, wife of the late Oliver Gay of Waverly and Catherine T. Outlaw and her husband, Eugene Outlaw of Suffolk; two brothers, Floyd Jerome Thorpe and his wife, Jeanne B. Thorpe of Waverly, and Oscar Carl Thorpe and his wife, Barbara Thorpe of Virginia Beach; six grandchildren, Sheri T. Tomlin and her husband, Loren Tomlin, Jill Jeanne Nelson, Jake Travis Nelson, Hillary Anne Thorpe, Mary Thai Gay and Brad Andrew Thorpe; and a great-granddaughter, Casey Jordan Tomlin; sister-in-law, Evelyn Welch Cowling and her husband, Gurney B. Cowling of Waverly; and brother-in-law, Harold Frank Welch and his wife, Marion Elizabeth Bousman Welch of Waverly. He was the brother of the late John William Thorpe and Audrey T. Gwaltney. Burial will be in Waverly Cemetery. on January 20, 1999.⁶