Person Page - 3773

     Melvin Eugene Crutcher On October 12, 2021, Rusty/Fuzzy Crutcher (Melvin Eugene Crutcher) made the journey to heaven, where he will see his wife, Betty, of 72 years again, who passed in 2020. Fuzzy or Rusty as he was known, was a Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Rusty left home at a very young age seeking a better life, joining the US Navy. He served on the USS Barnett during World War II. In 1988 he retired from Airline TV where he was the co-owner with his brother Bill Crutcher for over 30 years. Fuzzy managed 3 gardens over 70 years and enjoyed the fruits of his harvest. He and Betty grew their own food and loved canning, under every bed throughout the house multiple jars of green beans, tomatoes, and pickles could be found. Fuzzy has missed his wife Betty very much over this last 18 months. During their life together, they ran a successful business, raised three wonderful daughters, and gardened every day. He joins her in heaven, where we pray, she has asked the good lord to forgive him, and let him in the gates. You see, Betty was a devoted member of the church and the family had no worries that she would get in, but Fuzzy was another story. He was a bit of a rascal, a bit of a jokester, and was most definitely set in his ways. All kidding aside, those two were the most fantastic couple you could know. Family came first always, faith, laughter, and family again. Fuzzy could always be counted on by family and friends to fix anything…sometimes he had to improvise. He was often called upon for electrical repairs, where tape, a rubber band and maybe glue was used for the fix. Or maybe it was a paint job, where he showed up with paint brushes 30 years old and convinced everyone on the job that the brushes were still good. The most egregious undertaking was watching him fix a TV, and we remind you of course that this was his business for over 30 years, where maybe a pat or two to the side of the TV was needed for the fix. Rusty had a love of women’s sports, no surprise as he was surrounded by women, his daughters and granddaughters. He could be found on any Sunday watching women’s golf, basketball and supporting local softball games. We hope what you gather from these brief paragraphs, is that no one is perfect in this world, but what we all have is the ability to laugh and love. Fuzzy would absolutely love this obituary, never one for crying and lots of sap, always in the mood for a laugh, and always living by his motto, “don’t tell everyone everything about yourself, it’s boring.” He goes to heaven, with Betty waiting, where no doubt those two will watch over all of us and send a little nudge our way every now and then when we get out of line. Fuzzy is survived by daughters Linda Richardson with husband Phil Richardson, Pat Holley with husband Mike Holley Sr., and Jan Perry whose husband Steven Perry recently passed in 2020. Granddaughters, Amber and Patrick Murray, Amy Morris with husband Ryan Morris, Allison Hood with husband Chris Hood, and Carrie Evans with husband David Evans. Great-Grandchildren Brianna and Rhiannon Murray, Kekoa and Kaylena Hood, Kiersten and Bella Holley, Alex, Zoey and Ayden Evans, Augie and Allie June Morris. Those left to cherish his memory include his sister Janice Hedgepeth, and brother Gerald Crutcher, and sister-in-law Donna Morgan Barham. Fuzzy is predeceased in death by his brothers Tommy Crutcher, Bill Crutcher and sisters Bobby Morgan, Johnnie Coffey, and Dianne South. He was so loved by all his nieces, nephews and their families.⁴ He was born on July 31, 1926 at Tarrant, Jefferson Co., Alabama.^2,3 He married June Elizabeth Morgan on September 12, 1947 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^2,8 Melvin Eugene Crutcher died on October 12, 2021 at Virginia at age 95.⁴

     Janice Corine Crutcher PORTSMOUTH - Janice Childress Hedgepeth, 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. She was born on February 20, 1930 in Lynchburg, Virginia to the late John William Crutcher and Leslie Iona Smith Crutcher. She was also preceded in death by her first husband of 30 years, Donald Earl Childress, Sr; her second husband of 26 years, Henry Earl “Buster” Hedgepeth; sisters, Johnnie Coffee, Bobby Morgan, and Dianne South; and brothers, William “Billy” Crutcher, Melvin “Rusty” Crutcher, and Tommy Crutcher. She is survived by her sons, Donald Earl Childress, Jr. (Joan Ann) and Todd Childress (Dawn); daughters, Jacqueline “Jackie” Jacobson (Joel), Michelle O’Connor (Mark), and Shelby Fulcher (Eric); brother, Gerald “Jerry” Crutcher; grandchildren, Donald Earl “Trey” Childress III (Lisa), Gavin Childress, and Taylor Glenn (Jared); great grandchildren, Chad O’Connor (Mackenzie Chernushin), Ashley Caldeyro, Corine Fulcher, Donald Earl “Jacob” Childress IV, Caleb Childress, Shana Childress, and Iris Glenn; great-great grandchildren, River Brooks and Kayden Caldeyro; and numerous other extended family members and friends. Janice was a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia for over 80 years. Her professional career began at Leggett’s Department Store of Portsmouth, in the jewelry department, where she worked her way up to department manager. Most notably a buyer for women’s apparel, she had a passion for clothing, jewelry, and perfume. She loved recounting stories of her travels to the Garment District of New York City and attending countless Broadway shows. Upon the passing of her first husband, she proudly dedicated her time to being a stay-at-home mother. The final, and longest, stent of her career was spent with her late husband, managing Buster’s Auto Sales. Throughout her long and full life, what was most important to her was family and that her family spend time together. She never tired of hosting family (and their many friends) in her home for holidays, sporting events, and other special occasions. She loved to talk about cooking with her mother, and how her mother still would tell her how to make her famous turkey dressing (as there was no recipe) that was a staple of family Thanksgivings and Christmases. Janice spent her life dedicated to family and proudly held many titles; mom, wife, sister, aunt, grandma, and me-maw to name a few. Her true passion was watching the growth of her family and celebrating the successes of loved ones. Spending time together or chatting on the phone were amongst her favorite activities. Towards the end of her life, she expressed gratitude for her caregivers Chantay, Margaret, and especially Mary Ann who became a beloved part of her day-to-day routine.⁴ She was born on February 20, 1930 at Amherst Co., Virginia.^5,4 As of April 29, 1947,her married name was Childress.² She married Donald Earl Childress Sr. on April 29, 1947 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^2,4 As of November 23, 1988,her married name was Hedgepeth.² Janice Corine Crutcher married Henry Earl Hedgepeth on November 23, 1988 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^2,6,4 Janice Corine Crutcher died on February 28, 2023 at Portsmouth, Virginia, at age 93.⁴

     Thomas Keith Crutcher was buried at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Virginia.⁹ His Social Security Number was 229-44-4651.¹⁰ He was born on January 20, 1938 at Amherst Co., Virginia.^2,9,10,3 He married Mae Devon Thiesing on January 1, 1957 at South Mills, Camden Co., North Carolina.^11,5 Thomas Keith Crutcher and Mae Devon Thiesing were divorced on November 3, 1975 at Portsmouth, Virginia.¹¹ Thomas Keith Crutcher married Patsy Love Bryant on November 22, 1975 at Portsmouth, Virginia.² Thomas Keith Crutcher died on April 27, 2008 at Suffolk, Virginia, at age 70.^9,10,4

     Janie Ellen Phipps was buried at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 225-22-4094.³ She was born on June 15, 1923 at Grayson Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 As of June 14, 1947,her married name was Crutcher.¹ She married William Leslie Crutcher, son of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, on June 14, 1947 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^1,5 Janie Ellen Phipps died on November 4, 2005 at Portsmouth, Virginia, at age 82.^3,5,6 She On Nov. 4, 2005, Janie Ellen Crutcher passed away in Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center after a two-month illness. She was born in Grayson County, Virginia, to Columbus and Roberta "Bertie" Phipps and was the youngest of 10 children. Devoted to her family, she leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 58 years, William L. Crutcher; her daughter, Deborah Holland M.D; granddaughter, Ellen Claire Holland; as well as several nieces and nephews; and many sisters and brothers-in- law. Janie moved to Portsmouth in the 1940s working for Bell Telephone Co. She met and married her husband during World War II and after moving temporarily to Baltimore and Tennessee, they returned to Portsmouth where they opened Airline Television Service. They co-operated the business for 40 years until their retirement. In the past years, she took pleasure in traveling with her family, sewing projects and flower gardening. She was a member of United Congregational Church, where she participated in the Women’s Fellowship and greatly enjoyed her church community. Janie was particularly devoted to her daughter and granddaughter providing unfaltering love, support and laughter. The enormous void left in our hearts will be filled with memories of her grace, charm, compassion and the special feistiness that could only be "Janie." The family wishes to thank each of you for your outpouring of love and support during the time of her illness. Most especially, we thank her dear neighbors, the incredible nurses at Maryview Medical Center, her physicians and Pastor Charles, who helped us during this difficult time. There will be a graveside service Monday at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. on November 6, 2005.⁵

     June Elizabeth Morgan was born on June 28, 1926 at Logan, Logan Co., West Virginia.^1,2 As of September 12, 1947,her married name was Crutcher.¹ She married Melvin Eugene Crutcher, son of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, on September 12, 1947 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^1,2 June Elizabeth Morgan died on January 12, 2020 at Virginia at age 93.² She June Elizabeth Crutcher "Betty," passed away gracefully at home on January 12, 2020. She was born June 28, 1926 in Logan West Virginia to Harry and Ruth Morgan. She is survived by her husband, Melvin Eugene "Fuzzy/Rusty" Crutcher of 72 years, a World War II Veteran, whom she married on September 12, 1947. Betty was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her three daughters and their spouses; Linda and Phil Richardson, Pat and Mike Holley, and Jan and Steve Perry. Betty has four wonderful Granddaughters and their spouses; Amber and Patrick Murray, Alison and Chris Hood, Amy and Ryan Morris, Carrie and David Evans. Betty was given the name "Gigi" and "Grandma Buddy" by her 11 Great Grandchildren that loved and enjoyed being with her; Brianna, Rhiannon, Kekoa, Kaylena, Kiersten, Alex, Bella, Ayden, Augie, Allie June and Zoey. Those left to cherish her memory include her sister Donna Morgan Barham, sister in law Janice Hedgepeth, brother in law Jerry Crutcher. Betty is predeceased by her brothers Harold and Joe Morgan, and her sister Francis Morgan Collins. She was so loved by all of her precious nieces and nephews. Betty and her husband owned Airline TV for 36 years with Fuzzy's brother Bill and Janie Crutcher, who retired in 1988. Betty was a devoted member of the Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school for 33 years. She loved fishing, traveling, sewing, gardening, and canning her homegrown vegetables. She was known for her kindness, gracious demeanor, sense of humor, and infectious laugh. She is survived by her best friend, Estelle Kitchen. They have been friends since 1946. on January 14, 2020.²

     Donald Earl Childress Sr. was buried at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Virginia.^2,3 His Social Security Number was 224-30-5848.⁶ He was born on June 4, 1928 at Hellier, Pike Co., Kentucky; The SDDI has a birth year of 1927.^1,2,6,3,4,7 He married Janice Corine Crutcher, daughter of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, on April 29, 1947 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^1,5 Donald Earl Childress Sr. died on March 23, 1977 at Portsmouth, Virginia, at age 48.^2,3,4

     Henry Earl Hedgepeth Henry Earl "Buster" Hedgepeth, 66, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in a Portsmouth hospital. A native of Conway, NC, he was the owner/operator of Buster's Auto Sales in Portsmouth. Survivors include his wife, Janice Childress Hedgepeth; two daughters, Shelby Fulcher and husband, Eric and Michele O'Connor and husband, Mark; a son, Todd Childress and wife Dawn; a sister, Jane F. Drew; six grandchildren, Trey, Ashley, Chad, Taylor, Corine and Gavin; and four great-grandchildren, and his beloved Buddy.² He was born on January 14, 1948 at Halifax Co., North Carolina.^1,3 He married Jacqueline Corine Childress, daughter of Donald Earl Childress Sr. and Janice Corine Crutcher, on June 18, 1969 at South Mills, Camden Co., North Carolina.⁵ Henry Earl Hedgepeth and Jacqueline Corine Childress were divorced on November 12, 1976 at Chesapeake, Virginia.⁵ Henry Earl Hedgepeth married Janice Corine Crutcher, daughter of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, on November 23, 1988 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^1,2,4 Henry Earl Hedgepeth died on January 13, 2015 at Portsmouth, Virginia, at age 66.²

     Harold Eugene Morgan was buried at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Virginia.⁴ He was born on June 28, 1922 at Huntington, Cabell Co., West Virginia.^3,4 He married Barbara Marie Crutcher, daughter of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, circa 1947.² Harold Eugene Morgan died on January 8, 2019 at Virginia at age 96.⁴ He Harold Eugene Morgan, 96, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He was born June 28, 1922 in Huntington, WV to the late Harry and Ruth Morgan. Harold proudly served his country during WWII as a Naval Air Force pilot and continued to serve as a naval reservist for 20 years, while pursuing a career as a computer analyst for the government. Harold found his spiritual home at West End United Methodist Church. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Morgan. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Heimbach; two sisters, Betty Crutcher and Donna Barham; and one grandchild, Leslie Richard. Burial with military honors will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. on January 13, 2019.⁴

     Richard Alan Heimbach was buried at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Virginia.^5,6 His Social Security Number was 162-38-9800.⁷ He was born on February 11, 1948 at Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania.^1,7,2,3,5,6 He married Beverly Jean Morgan, daughter of Harold Eugene Morgan and Barbara Marie Crutcher, on July 17, 1981 at Portsmouth, Virginia.^1,2 Richard Alan Heimbach died on August 10, 1998 at Portsmouth, Virginia, at age 50.^7,2,5,6,4 He Richard Alan Heimbach, 50, of Yorkshire Road, Portsmouth, Va., formerly of Nazareth, died Monday, Aug. 10, in his home. He was the husband of Beverly M. (Morgan) Heimbach for 17 years. A 1971 graduate of what is now Hampton (Va.) University, he was a self-employed architect. Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of Will Heimbach of Emmaus and the late Althea (Keller) Heimbach He was an Army veteran. Survivors: Wife and father; sister, Ann Kuhns of Rock Hill, S.C; brother, Thomas of Bethlehem, and a stepdaughter, Leslie D. Richard of Raleigh, N.C. Graveside services were held in Portsmouth. on August 15, 1998.²

     Ruth Diane "Dinah" Crutcher Dinah Ruth South, of Columbia, TN, passed away on Saturday, May 27th 2017, leaving behind her lifelong husband, Mac, who never loved another; three children: the smart one, the pretty one, and the creative one. She was The Dranny (and religious milkshake spinner) to four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is survived also by a handful of dogs, cats, and quite possibly a couple of buzzards. She was brilliant and generous. Her lifetime accomplishments are not measured by awards or public recognition, but by the legacy of lessons she taught to so many, that will be passed down for forever and always and will no doubt make each receiver, a better human being. Per her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to one another, rescue an animal in need, play make believe with a toddler, and plant plenty of flowers.⁷ She was born on May 1, 1941 at Lynchburg, Virginia.² As of December 20, 1958,her married name was South.³ She married Mac Elvis South on December 20, 1958 at Camden Co., North Carolina.^3,7 Ruth Diane "Dinah" Crutcher died on May 27, 2017 at Columbia, Maury Co., Tennessee, at age 76.⁷

     Mac Elvis South Mac E. South, August 5, 1937 - January 18, 2021. Mac Elvis South, a lifelong resident of Columbia, TN, passed away at the age of 83 on Monday, January 18th, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents and “the only woman he ever loved”, his wife, Dinah. He is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, three great grands, and if we are being completely honest, in his mind, the entire team and coaching staff of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was a man of ultimate curiosity. He consumed books like they were a life source, made up his own words as if what existed would not do and he never stopped asking questions. He was “curiouser and curiouser” as ever a man had been. He leaves behind a legacy of gentle kindness, unconditional love, loyalty, and mad skills in the art of BS.² He was born on August 5, 1937.² He married Ruth Diane "Dinah" Crutcher, daughter of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith, on December 20, 1958 at Camden Co., North Carolina.^1,3 Mac Elvis South died on January 18, 2021 at Columbia, Maury Co., Tennessee, at age 83.²

     George Emmett Coffey was buried at Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, Amherst Co., Virginia.¹ He married Johnnie Louise Crutcher, daughter of John William Crutcher and Iona Leslie Smith.¹ George Emmett Coffey was born on February 8, 1912 at Madison Heights, Amherst Co., Virginia.^2,1,3 He died on February 11, 1975 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 63.¹

     Frederick Cardwell Coffey was buried at Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, Amherst Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 231-38-2277.⁶ He was born on August 3, 1936 at Madison Heights, Amherst Co., Virginia; His death certificate and the SSDI have a birth date of Aug 2, 1936.^1,2,6,3 He married Patsy Love Bryant on October 22, 1955 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.⁷ Frederick Cardwell Coffey and Patsy Love Bryant were divorced on April 7, 1970 at Portsmouth, Virginia.⁷ Frederick Cardwell Coffey died on July 17, 1975 at Norfolk, Virginia, at age 38.^1,3