Person Page - 3949

     Dewey Allen "Sonny" Light Jr. was buried at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.³ He was born on September 12, 1945 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 He died on July 27, 2021 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 75.³ He Dewey "Sonny" Allen Light Jr., of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on July 27, 2021, in his home. Sonny was born in Christiansburg, Va. on September 12, 1945. He graduated from Christiansburg High School and went on to attend James Madison University and eventually own his own business refinishing furniture until his retirement. Sonny proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother and father, Dewey Allen Light Sr. and Beatrice Dove Light, as well as his brother Steve Light. Surviving are his siblings and their spouses, Rose and Jim Stone, Judy Lafon, Connie Vanhoozier, Michael and Karen Light as well as sister-in-law, Colleen Light. Sonny is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews as well as several dear friends. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, Va. Graveside service will be held at the Committal Shelter of the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Rd., Dublin, Va., on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 10 a.m. on July 30, 2021.³

     Dr. James Banister "Jim" Stone III was born on October 4, 1941 at Richmond, Virginia.^2,4 He married Rose Mary Light, daughter of Dewey Allen Light Sr. and Beatrice Dove, on April 26, 1969 at Charlottesville, Virginia.^2,5 Dr. James Banister "Jim" Stone III died on October 17, 2022 at Virginia at age 81.³ He Dr. James Banister Stone, III died peacefully at home on October 17, 2022, he was 81. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Jim was the son of Dr. James Banister Stone Jr. and Janet Watkins Stone. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and the Virginia Military Institute. His loyalty to VMI was deep and enduring. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia, and after an internship and residency at Norfolk General Hospital, he and his wife Rose Light Stone settled in Wytheville, Virginia, where they raised their three sons. Jim always said that marrying Rose "was the best thing I ever did." Jim served the Wytheville community with family practice medicine for almost fifty years, beginning his practice with Dr. Walter Barton, Dr. Judson Booker, III and Dr. Wayne Horney and concluding his career as part of the Carilion health care system. He honed his diagnostic skills on the variety of cases that walked through the office door. He relished the surprises that family practice could bring, "all the things they don't teach you in medical school." In the early years, his practice included delivering babies. He found that the joy of the arrival of new life balanced out the hard medical moments of a doctor's days. Jim's personal interest in fishing, gardening, tracking the weather, and collecting model trains started in childhood and stayed with him throughout his life. His love of animals brought a steady stream of creatures into his care: dogs, cats, birds, fish, ferrets, and a brief experience with ill-fated monkeys. Summer meant vacations at the beaches in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia. Fall meant George Wythe High School football. Winter meant snow and the window-watching thrill of the first, last, and deepest snowfall of the year. A second home nearby on the New River became a regular weekend destination, where Jim would climb onto the large tractor mower and cut the wide slope down to the river, while Rose waged endless war with the Canada geese. Their efforts created a favorite place to gather with family and friends. Shortly after Jim's retirement, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease introduced a new rhythm to life: gentle walks around Withers Park and easy days at home in the sunroom, watching the birds at the backyard feeders, keeping an eye on the weather, enjoying visits with the grandchildren, and giving close attention to the news. News reports, seasonal sports, and a good steak from the grill never lost their interest for him. Last spring, the arrival of Harley Stone brought a happy puppy presence and a quirky, toothy smile to give special pleasure to Jim's last days. Jim's life was not perfect, but it was good, very good. He knew it and was grateful. In addition to Rose, Jim is survived by his three sons and their families, James Banister Stone, IV, his wife, Heather, and their children, Eloise, James and Grant, of Beaufort, S.C; John Carter Stone, his wife, Lindsey, and their children, Alexandra and John Jr., of Moseley, Va; and Mark David Stone and his fiancée, Jillian Jones and their family of Ryan, Sallie, William and Wyatt, of Blacksburg, Va. A sister, Janet Dale Stone of Savannah, Ga., also survives. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carter Watkins Stone. The family wishes to express appreciation to the community, friends and nearby neighbors, and all the caregivers for the many acts of kindness shown during this time. A special thanks to Tiny Terry, Keith Hull and Emma Rorrer who provided hours of faithful care and companionship to Jim in the recent months. on October 19, 2022.³

     Steve William Light was buried at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.² He was born on October 26, 1947 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,4 He married Colleen Kay Hinkley on March 24, 1989 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ Steve William Light died on January 5, 2019 at Virginia at age 71.² He Steve William Light, 71, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dewey Light Sr. and Beatrice Light. Steve is survived by his wife, Colleen Light; daughter, Brooke Light; brothers, Dewey Light Jr. and Michael (Karen) Light; sisters, Rose (Jim) Stone, Judy Lafon, Connie Vanhoozier; and by his uncle, David (Hattie) Dove. "Uncle Steve" is survived by nine nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews and was loved by all. He taught many to fish, and always had a fishing story. Steve was always willing to help anyone and never met a stranger. He will be missed by all. The Graveside Services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, with Pastor Scott Obenchain officiating. on January 8, 2019.²

     Frances Mae Painter was buried at Glade Creek Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Botetourt Co., Virginia.² She Frances Mae Furrow, 88, of Blue Ridge, VA, went home to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert Lee Furrow and her daughter, Donna Furrow Williams. She was born in Gary, West Virginia on October 18, 1934. She is survived by her children, Ricky and Dina Furrow, Timothy and Tina Stevens, Bobby and Lynn Furrow, Scott and Nicole Vest; grandchildren, Shannon Williams, Andrew, Jacob, and Aimee Furrow, Candace Myrick, Caleb Stevens, Trevor and Emily Furrow, Montana, Tucker, Andrew and Michael Vest, “Little Robert” Furrow; multiple great grandchildren. Frances was an avid traveler who loved to collect thimbles from everywhere. She loved gardening, yard sales, spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grand kids. She was a faithful Christian and church member, who especially enjoyed fellowshipping with Seniors, bowling with her ladies teams. She was energetic, fun loving person who always brought a joyful attitude and smiling face to any situation. Interment will be at Glade Creek Cemetery.² She was born on October 18, 1934 at Gary, McDowell Co., West Virginia.² As of May 2, 1953,her married name was Furrow.¹ She married Robert Lee Furrow, son of Rev. Cleveland Henry Furrow and Mary Alice Rogers, on May 2, 1953 at Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia.^1,2 Frances Mae Painter died on January 10, 2023 at Virginia at age 88.²