George Henry Beckner1,2,3

M, b. May 3, 1937, d. April 18, 2025
     George Henry Beckner and Betty Lou Sanders were divorced.1 George Henry Beckner Mr. George Henry "Georgie" Beckner, 87, of Callaway, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in his hometown. Born on May 31, 1937, also in Callaway, George spent his entire life rooted in the community he loved. George received most of his education in nearby Rocky Mount. Though he did not graduate from high school, he built a successful and fulfilling career through hard work and dedication. From an early age, George worked on his parents’ apple farm, learning the value of labor and perseverance. As a young man, he joined the family’s logging business, where he contributed significantly to its operations. Later in life, he transitioned to a role at Lane Furniture Company, where he worked diligently until his retirement. George was known for his strong work ethic and deep love for his family. He shared 28 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife Velma Beckner. Together they built a life filled with love and mutual respect. George cherished Velma deeply and held her as the center of his world. He was a proud father to two sons, Donald Stalnaker (Melissa) of Waynesboro, Virginia and David Stalnaker (Jen) of Roanoke, Virginia; two daughters, Rebecca McGuillion (Jeff) of Roanoke, Virginia and Sharon Eastham (Mike), also of Roanoke. His legacy continues through his granddaughters, Blaire Stalnaker of Waynesboro and Chelsie Stalnaker of North Carolina. George is also remembered by his sister, Claria Gould (Tom) of Wheeling, Illinois; nephews, Kenny Roope (Sharon) of Ahoskie, North Carolina; Jimmy Roope (DJ) of Tennessee and Michael Roope (Donna) of Richmond, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry McKinley Beckner and Ola Mae Beckner; son, Robert Stalnaker; sisters, Louise Beckner Ray and Dorathy Clifton; brothers, Houston Beckner and Aubrey Beckner. A man of many talents and interests, George enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and crafting moonshine—pursuits that reflected both his creativity and connection to the land around him. He had a sharp sense of humor that could bring tears from laughter but was equally known for speaking the truth plainly. To know George was truly to love him. In matters of faith, George was raised Southern Baptist but later found spiritual fulfillment alongside Velma at Highland United Methodist Church in Callaway. Their shared worship became an important part of their life together. Interment will follow in the Beckner Family Cemetery. George's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best. As you remember him with laughter or fond reflection, please keep a prayer for Velma and the family he held so dear.3 He was born on May 3, 1937 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia; His obituary has a birth date of May 31, 1937.1,2,3 He married Betty Lou Sanders, daughter of Winfred Henry Sanders and Agatha Lee Martin, on December 22, 1967 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 George Henry Beckner died on April 18, 2025 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 87.3

Family

Betty Lou Sanders
Divorce*He and Betty Lou Sanders were divorced.1 
Marriage* George Henry Beckner married Betty Lou Sanders, daughter of Winfred Henry Sanders and Agatha Lee Martin, on December 22, 1967 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 
Child
  • Sharon Lee Beckner3

Citations

  1. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  2. [S5152] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920.
  3. [S5775] Flora Funeral Service, online http://www.florafuneralservice.com/, From the George Henry Beckner obituary.

Paul Frank Snider1,2,3,4

M, b. December 22, 1922, d. February 5, 1982
     Paul Frank Snider was buried at Angels Rest Memorial Gardens, Giles Co., Virginia.4 He was born on December 22, 1922 at Giles Co., Virginia.2 He married Lila Mae Martin, daughter of Robert Fredrick "Fred" Martin and Maudie Mae Neice, on November 24, 1953 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 Paul Frank Snider and Lila Mae Martin were divorced on January 10, 1963 at Giles Co., Virginia.3 Paul Frank Snider died on February 5, 1982 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia, at age 59.4

Family

Lila Mae Martin b. May 19, 1934, d. April 7, 2002
Marriage*He married Lila Mae Martin, daughter of Robert Fredrick "Fred" Martin and Maudie Mae Neice, on November 24, 1953 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.1 
Divorce* Paul Frank Snider and Lila Mae Martin were divorced on January 10, 1963 at Giles Co., Virginia.3 
Child
  • Dreama Joyce Snider5

Citations

  1. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  2. [S5152] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920.
  3. [S5151] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Divorce Records, 1918-2014.
  4. [S5149] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014.
  5. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the Lila Mae Martin Neice obituary in the Apr 9, 2002 edition.